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.”