March 28, 2024 | Sports | Written by Grace Aasfeld O'Brien
Alexis Wessler ’24 and Alex Sandoval ’24 have been best friends since the beginning of their careers on the University of Colorado football team. They are now in their fifth year of existence and the decision was easy given their talent in the sport and the important role they play within the team.
As head coach Keri Sanchez says, “When you're at this type of school, you're actually leaving within four years, which means you have to delay graduation.” Both Wessler and Sandoval are “quality players, quality personnel, and excelling in OBE majors,” she said.
He added, “The reason a lot of successful programs do well is because the fifth year is so long. There's more experience, more game time, more maturity, more strength.”
In Wessler's own words, “I wasn't ready to quit soccer yet. That was the biggest factor.” Sandoval echoed that sentiment, saying, “My dad always told me, 'You can't grow up too fast.' Being able to play college soccer is special. I love Lexi and the rest of the team. I just want to spend more time with the members.”
The dynamic between Sandoval and Wessler on and off the field is rare. Although they grew up playing on the same soccer club in Colorado, they didn't really know each other until they became roommates during their freshman year at CC. Regarding their chemistry as teammates, Wessler said: [her]. I know what she's thinking even if she doesn't say anything, and that trust in her allows us to work together very well. ”
Sandoval said, “I trust her more than anyone. We have a lot of chemistry. We know how each other plays, and it's just…very instinctive. I think it's spot on.”
In terms of personalities, the two complement each other well. Sandoval said, “We have a similar sense of humor, so you can laugh about anything with her. He's one of those people you can have fun with.” Wessler says his relationship with Sandoval is different than his other teammates: “…my relationship with her is definitely special.”[L(1] [BL2] [OX3]
Sanchez notes that both girls are reserved and introverted by nature, and “from a coach's point of view, they're more like quiet players, not flashy.” They do all the dirty work and don't care about praise. It's great if they have your back, but you don't necessarily need it. ”
She elaborated that although both are confident players, it was exciting to have them accepted into important roles within the team.
“The funny thing is they don't really understand how good their players are. We started telling them that. You guys have to do it for us. No. Run the show. Because it's Wes.[sler] He can make things happen no matter where he starts, and Wessler makes great decisions on the ball in pressure moments. ”
Likewise, watching them grow as social leaders on the team has been rewarding for Sanchez. “They are starting to push beyond their comfort zone and become more vocal leaders rather than leading strictly by example.”
The two have seen each other through many obstacles during their time at CC. Wessler was strictly a midfielder upon her arrival, but she was converted to center back as her team needed her in that position. According to her, it was “a pretty high-pressure moment.” She had to adapt to a position where she didn't know how to play. ”
“It's a privilege to play under pressure, and the trust I have with Sandoval helps me do that,” Wessler continued.
The big hurdle for their freshman year was the coronavirus. Because of their lackluster first season, “They couldn't answer the question, 'What is college soccer?' their first year,” Sanchez says.
Looking back on that transition period, Alexis says, “We supported each other through that transition period, even if we weren't able to form deeper bonds with the other girls on the team.” .
“I put together a weird game that spring, and that's when I tore my ACL,” Sandoval said.
This was Sandoval's second injury to his ACL, the first being in high school. Although she was sidelined throughout her sophomore year, by her junior year she officially returned to the field.
“I spent hours and hours in the training room. That was my recovery process… I don't think I recovered until about a year after I had the surgery, and then I slowly got back to training.”
She says Wessler was a huge support to her at the time. “I just vented and told her how frustrated everything was, and she took me to see a doctor.”
Sanchez praised Sandoval and Wessler's mental strength after the injury.
“So, now it’s time for Wes.[sler] Once again, he had to play real freshman soccer activities without his best friend who was in rehab. '' And as for Sandoval, she said “it's amazing that he has the incredible perseverance to come back from an injury like that,'' especially considering that “it's relatively rare to tear the same anterior cruciate ligament twice.'' It's clear,” he said.
Reflecting on what adversity has taught her, Sandoval says: She had some pretty serious injuries, so she learned how to deal with adversity and developed the resilience to get through things. It's a huge thing, as well as learning who you are outside of football.”
As Kaelin Enga ’25 says, Sandoval and Wessler’s leadership and experience are an inspiration to their teammates. Wessler and I were captains in the fall and she helped me gain confidence and she helped me be my true self. ”
She noted Wessler's “humor and kindness,” but said Sandoval has “an emotional intelligence that makes everyone, including myself, feel truly seen and heard.”
Be sure to keep an eye on these two peas in the pod next year at Stewart Field as they play their final year of college playing at CC.
Can this be translated?It's great to have so many quotes, but it feels a little jumbled [L(1]
