A Varsity Aces exclusive for Fall National Signing Day: Westwood gymnast Sara Buchner is joined by family as she officially inks her letter of intent to the University of Oregon for acrobatics and tumbling. Greg Tartaglia/


Westwood Cardinals girls soccer coach Eric Pfiefer calls Erin Wilson the vocal leader of his team that plays in the Group 2 semifinals Tuesday. Westwood has had a remarkable season filled with last-second heroics, and Wilson has been in the middle of it all. Local Sports Columnist Darren Cooper chatted with Wilson via text about the Cardinals season and the emotions of a big win.

First question has to be how hard is it to play soccer when it’s so cold, you can’t feel your toes?

Playing soccer when I can’t feel my toes is not as bad as you’d think. You have so much adrenaline when playing that the pain isn’t your main focus anymore. The cold may not be the best soccer weather, but if you’re running, you’re staying warm.

How did you get started playing soccer?

I’ve been playing soccer since I was four years old. My dad had played soccer his entire life, then my older sister was playing soccer with my dad as he coach. Soccer has always been a part of my life, as you can tell.

Did you play anything else?

Soccer was my first sport, but I played T-ball the spring after I started soccer.

Where did your dad play?

He played soccer in college at Saint Leo University.

Was he your first coach?

Yes, he was my first coach.

You guys have played so many close games, what has that been like?

Every close game that we have had is an emotional roller coaster on so many different levels. The adrenaline is high and our coach reminds us about our Refuse to Lose mentality.

Can you get used to the roller coaster?

I wouldn’t say we ever get used to the emotions involved with close games.

Are each of the celebrations better than the last?

Our run right now in the State Tournament, every celebration is even bigger than the last. The celebrations get bigger because we are keeping our season going for as long as we can. This team is so amazing and we have all worked so hard this season to get where we are.

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What happens in the celebrations? Is there like a dogpile, or a designated person to run to?

When we win an important game we all run to each other and basically tackle each other. We are so excited to keep the season going and the emotions are flying. Meghan Riedel when she scored the game-winning goal against Hawthorne was the epitome of what it’s like to pull through our team in a battle to keep our season going. She was so excited to have scored and we all rushed towards her to thank her for it.

What’s your favorite part about playing soccer?

There are so many different parts about soccer that make it my favorite, but the feeling after you win a huge game tops it all. Your emotions are everywhere, but then it all turns into overall happiness. Winning isn’t everything, but it makes a day a whole lot better.

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from a coach or a friend about playing soccer?

Leave everything you have on the field. It will make a world of difference.

Do you ever get grief about your red hair?

I think almost every day.

Is your nickname, like, “Red”?

That’s one of the nicknames. I get teased a lot, but this year not so much, people see that I don’t care as much anymore about what they have to say.

I think it’s awesome.

It definitely makes me stand out more when college coaches are looking for me on the field.