Katie Von Behren
Staff Writer
Many students at Mira Costa excel in athletics, but not many receive the opportunity to play in an elite soccer league alongside one of Costa’s newest teachers. Senior Nonie Frishette and math teacher Lindsay Bullock are both members of the Women’s Premier Soccer League which runs every year from May to July.
The WPSL was founded four years ago in Long Beach as a summer league to provide local athletes with the opportunity to play elite, competitive soccer. This league is structured to provide college-bound athletes with the opportunity to prepare for playing at a higher level to prepare for their future. Games are mainly played during the spring, along with tournaments held throughout the year.
“Through this league I learned a lot about controlling the game, which has improved my role as a goalkeeper,” Frishette said. “I can already tell that being a part of this team will help me succeed at the college level.”
Frishette was invited as one of three high school girls from her U18 Beach Futbol club team selected to join the WPSL this past season. After her junior season as starting varsity goalie for Costa, Frishette received the offer from league director Mauricio Ingrassia, who is her club coach and the head coach of the women’s soccer team at Long Beach State.
“It was an unforgettable experience to be a part of a group of such dedicated athletes that all share the same passion for the sport,” Frishette said. “I hope to continue playing with the team this year as well in my last season before I leave to play in college next year at Wake Forest University.”
The Beach team went undefeated through their season, culminating in a national championship. The girls faced off against the U18 Women’s National Team on Sept. 19, tying 2-2 in the first match, but won their second game against them, 2-1, on Oct. 23.
“It was an amazing opportunity for me to play in these high-level games,” Frishette said. “All of the girls I got to play with have more experience than I do, which allowed me to learn from them and improve my game.”
Bullock decided to continue her soccer career after college by joining the WPSL. On the team she is considered a veteran member since she has finished at Long Beach State. Bullock acts as a mentor figure and coach for the younger athletes on the team, helping them to prepare for college-level soccer. Bullock also has the opportunity to put aside her coaching position and join the game of soccer as a player and teammate.
“It is a great opportunity to help the girls balance the situation of college soccer, something that I personally went through just a few years ago,” Bullock said. “It is also fun to get the chance to continue playing the sport. I love helping the girls prepare both mentally and physically for the sport at the next level.”
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