Daily Pilot High School Athlete of the Week: Andy Almquist
Steve Virgen
If winning is all about confidence and attitude then there is
little wonder how the Corona del Mar High boys soccer team has turned its
season around from last year. Consider one of the Sea Kings’ biggest
sources, leader of the pack Andy Almquist, for the turnaround from last
year’s record, 2-14-1, 0-9-1 in the Pacific Coast League, to this
season’s 5-6-3, 2-1-1 result, thus far.
Almquist, CdM’s senior team captain, is the Sea Kings’ unquestioned
leader who has set the tone for his teammates, which includes his younger
brother, Grant, a freshman. Almquist has helped provide the squad with
the correct frame of mind.
“He has stepped up as the team captain,” said Pat Callaghan, who, in
his second year as coach, is another reason for the Sea Kings’ newfound
success. “He also stepped up last year because a lack of senior
leadership. He has grown a lot. He will continue to get stronger. He’s
gaining everyone’s respect.”
Almquist’s staunch skills as the Sea Kings’ sweeper helped produce a
2-0 win over Newport-Mesa District rival Estancia on the Eagles’ field
Jan. 11. Almquist, in what is soon becoming his trademark, booted a free
kick that led to a goal in the victory over Estancia, and two days before
did the same in a 2-2 tie with visiting Laguna Beach, earning Daily Pilot
Athlete of the Week laurels.
For Almquist, the journey to becoming the leader of a PCL-title
contender started from battling through a tumultuous season last year. He
ditched junior varsity basketball playing days of his first two years of
high school and took on the challenge of rebuilding the CdM soccer
program.
“Given the opportunity to play as a captain last year, it helped me as
a player and as an individual,” said Almquist, who was the team’s Most
Valuable Player last year. “Learning what happened last year has helped
us this year of what not to do. As a junior captain, it was hard to tell
seniors what to do. This year, I feel the team is relying on me to be a
leader and I knew I had to step up.
“Having a returning coach is a big deal,” he continued. “We’ve had
different coaches come in. We never really had consistency. Callaghan
helped a lot. We’ve had seniors stepping up and everyone is making the
commitment. Everyone is playing as a team.”
Almquist, known as the coach on the field, is the one who makes sure
everyone continues to play as a team. His play from the back has brought
momentum to the Sea Kings, while surprising PCL opponents. Yet, Almquist
is not in the least shocked. His trust in his teammates and coach
combined with the confidence in his defense gives reason for the squad’s
success.
“Defending is important,” said Almquist, who most definitely takes his
role seriously. “The game starts with defense. If I’m finding the
midfield (players) and helping gain position in the middle, that helps us
maintain control in the game.”
Though Almquist did not play soccer his first two years at the school,
he gained experience from his club team, the Newport Beach Slammers. When
he was ready to play for the Sea Kings, his defense paved the way for the
competitiveness that would help CdM improve.
“He’s as good as a defender as I’ve seen and that includes (Newport
Harbor senior) Tyson Wahl,” Callaghan said. “Andy has always been
talented. He’s becoming a strong leader and a more confident player. He
has the ability, definitely to play at the (NCAA Division I) level. He
dominates. He’s a stabilizing force in the back. He wins every ball in
the air. He controls the game. He kick-starts the offense, based on his
ability on free kicks.”
Almquist also believes he has the ability to play Division I soccer
next year.
“Looking back on it, I could’ve been a four-year letterman (for
soccer),” said Almquist, who might play volleyball for CdM in the spring.
“Now to get in the college process, it’s hard to get noticed. I’ve been
playing club at a very high level since age 10. I’m definitely capable of
competing on a Division I team. Soccer is my sport.”
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