WPSL Spotlight With Angelina Hix of the SD SeaLions
The San Diego SeaLions are striving for WPSL Championship glory as they look to return to the finals after falling just short in 2016. Boasting the highest number of women owners in any amateur sports league, the WPSL is dedicated to growing the game for youth players.
SoccerToday presents a feature on SD SeaLions midfielder Angelina Hix as we discuss her career with the club.
This interview is was contributed by Hector Trujillo.
WPSL Soccer News: The San Diego SeaLions have continued right where they left off in 2016 as the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) club remains undefeated on the year. With seven wins and one draw, the SeaLions are striving for another deep playoff run after falling short in the finals last campaign. The club has been selected to co-host the WPSL Playoffs this season.
Midfielder Angelina Hix of Mira Costa College has played a major role for the SeaLions this campaign as she remains focused on the next steps for achieving WPSL Championships glory. Hix has recorded eight goals for the SeaLions in 2017.
At the community college level, Hix was top scorer in the state of California for the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference. She found the back of the net on 37 occasions in one season.
SoccerToday spoke with Hix on her career with the club and her goals for the future.
Hector Trujillo: What inspired you to play soccer?
Angelina Hix: My parents signed me up for soccer for the first time because I went to one of my older brother’s practices and the coach let me play.
They said I was doing better than the boys.
Then after that they signed me up. Neither of my parents played soccer, but my dad got a scholarship to play football at Arizona State and my mom was a good basketball player in high school.
Hector Trujillo: How did you hear about the SD SeaLions and what is the best part about playing with them?
Angelina Hix: Danica Carey, former SeaLions captain, was my assistant coach in college. So, I heard about it from her. The best part about playing with them is the team, everyone gets along so well. The team chemistry is awesome and we all want to win equally as bad.
Also, the level of play is very high and everyone puts in a lot of work, which makes it more fun.
Hector Trujillo: How did it feel scoring the first goal in week one for the win?
Angelina Hix: It was nice to finally put one away. There should have been a lot more finishes that game, but to capitalize on that one was relieving, especially since it was in stoppage time.
I definitely would have been disappointed with a tie.
Also, hearing coach Jen yelling on the side, “I don’t care how you do it, but find a way to get one in,” made me keep thinking we have to score. And the one touch passing that led up to the goal was perfect. It was a huge team effort, nobody gave up and nobody wanted to walk away from the game without a win.
Hector Trujillo: Who was/is your favorite soccer player & why?
Angelina Hix: My favorite soccer player is Ronaldinho. How he plays is amazing, making him fun to watch. The things he can do with a ball are incredible — he dances with the ball.
Hector Trujillo: Are there any teams nationally or internationally that you follow?
Angelina Hix: I love watching FC Barcelona play. Also, U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Hector Trujillo: Is soccer always what you wanted to do or did you consider any other sports?
Angelina Hix: I also played basketball a couple years and got offered a few scholarships to play in college. I competed in contests for surfing and was sponsored by a surf shop.
Hector Trujillo: What is your major in college?
Angelina Hix: My major is sociology, but I love fitness and working out so I might go back and get qualified for personal training.
Hector Trujillo: What are your long term aspirations career-wise?
Angelina Hix: Something with soccer or fitness. I love fitness and working out with others.
Hector Trujillo: What do you expect this season playing with the SeaLions?
Angelina Hix: I expect to get first in our league and win a championship. We never go into it wanting anything less than a championship. Also to learn as much as I can and become a better player all around.
Hector Trujillo: What advice can you give a young/aspiring soccer player?
Angelina Hix: Don’t always listen to what people say about you. If you want something bad enough, work your hardest for it and don’t stop until you accomplish it.
Hector Trujillo: Have you played or would like to play any other position on the field?
Angelina Hix: I play outside wing and forward. I haven’t and wouldn’t really want to play any other positions because I love to score.
Hector Trujillo: What have been your biggest obstacles to overcome (physical, mental, injuries)?
Angelina Hix: I haven’t had any injuries, which has been very nice. The only obstacle is probably not growing up playing consistently. I only played soccer a couple years before I joined the SeaLions.
Hector Trujillo: How has your technique changed or improved?
Angelina Hix: Just continuous practice of ball work and shooting so I continue to strengthen my techniques.
Hector Trujillo: What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
Angelina Hix: Hang out with my boyfriend, family and dogs. I have a big family so there is never a dull moment. We love to go to the beach, snowboarding, hiking, camping, basically anything outdoors.
Hector Trujillo: Can you tell us something that few or no one knows about you?
Angelina Hix: I was sponsored for surfing and my mom homeschooled me for a couple years growing up so I could get done with my school earlier and go surfing for hours everyday.
The SeaLions (7-0-1) take on WPSL newcomers LA Galaxy SD (1-1-6) on Saturday, July 8, in their 2017 regular season finale. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m PT at Manchester Stadium, Cathedral Catholic High School.
