Thompson pays visit to Harvard-Westlake
It's not every day you get to meet a local superstar. For the lucky fans of the Harvard-Westlake High School girls soccer team, a shining star, Alyssa Thompson, made an appearance in support of her former team and coach, Richard Simms.
With the rising star of the U.S. National Women's Soccer Team and the National Women's Soccer League on the sideline Wednesday, Harvard-Westlake took on Notre Dame in a Mission League matchup that ended in a 1-1 tie.
It meant a lot, said Simms, to see her back at the school, interacting with the team's players and fans.
“The biggest thing for me is Alyssa is an integral part of our community,” said Simms. “We see her all the time. For her to come out here and be open to the community is no surprise. She's amazing and cares about our school and community members.”
Simms coached Thompson during her freshman and sophomore years at HarvardWestlake. While it might seem like a small sample, it is safe to argue it was a vital time in her development.
During Thompson's sophomore year in 202021, she earned the Gatorade National Player of the Year honor while the team went 18-0 and won a CIF Southern Section championship.
“It was very easy to coach her because she was super talented,” said Simms. “Besides being so talented, she understands the game at a very deep level. To coach someone like that was not only rewarding, but it was also super fun.”
With so many fond memories, it was no surprise Thompson was happy to come back to a community that loves her, and she hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
“This means everything. I love this program,” said Thompson. “I love the people on this team and I'm just
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so happy to be back. Playing with coach Simms was amazing and he is someone who understands the game very tactically. Most importantly, he gets to know you on a personal level which is something not many coaches have the chance to do.”
During her junior year, Thompson continued to work out and train with Simms and the team. However, it was clear she was about to become a national star.
On Oct. 7, 2022, Thompson played in her first game for the the U.S. National Team, subbing in for Megan Rapinoe in the 84th minute. Thompson became the youngest player to check in for USA since 2016.
In January 2023, Thompson was selected with the first overall pick in the NWSL draft by Angel City FC. The then 18-year-old became the youngest player ever drafted first overall.
On Nov. 28, Angel City FC signed her sister Gisele, who had also played for Harvard-Westlake.
Despite all her accolades, Thompson still teaches herself to remain grounded. To love every moment is half the battle, she says, and it's something Thompson tells young, aspiring athletes.
“It's going to be easier to put in the work and get everywhere you want to go when you love the game,” said Thompson. “You do it every day so it's easier to love the game. Yet, if there is one thing I'm still learning, it's to be confident. It's better to be confident, play more freely, and be yourself when you're on the field. That's what everyone is looking for because there is no one else like you.”