Photo by: Tim G. Zechar
Former Raiders Still Thriving in Soccer
7/23/2018 8:06:00 AM | Women's Soccer
by Alan Hieber
Two former Wright State women's soccer players, forward Brittany Persaud (2009-11) and midfielder Ashley Gogolin (2012-15), are still very much invested in their sport by playing in the second highest level of soccer in the country, the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The duo recently answered some questions about their experiences on the professional stage.
Ashley Gogolin, Columbus Eagles
Q: How did playing for WSU help prepare you for the next level in the WPSL?
A: Wright State grew a lot of aspects of my game: mentally, technically and physically. We thrived on being a gritty and hardworking team. I loved every minute of being a part of the program. I think just having that mindset drilled in pushed me to keep playing and strive to be a better player every time I step on the field.
Q: Has it been nice to play close to your hometown of Gahanna?
A: It has been really nice playing close to home. My parents have been my number one supporters from day one and being able to still have them at games after all these years is something I'm truly thankful for.
Q: What has the experience been like playing on a team full of talented young players?
A: Playing for the Eagles has been more than I could have hoped for. Everyone was so welcoming, and the team environment is outstanding. We are all there because we truly want to be there. It's not about scholarships or money anymore, but rather the pure joy of competing at a high level.
Q: What have you liked most about playing for the Eagles?
A: Honestly, the people. I couldn't have asked for better teammates or a better team environment. There was this common knowledge of the game, a maturity when things weren't going our way and just an overall joy for playing amongst the team that made this season very enjoyable.
Q: Are there any moments that have stood out this season?
A: This season has been full of standout moments. We set franchise records in wins, points, goals scored, least goals scored against and finished with the best league standing in club history. I was also finally able to end my scoring drought that lasted way longer than I was hoping!
Q: What are some of your goals with soccer moving forward?
A: I'm just trying to take it one practice and game at a time and enjoy every moment of it that I can. I really like where I'm at now, but if another opportunity arises in the future, who knows what I'll do.
Brittany Persaud, Westside Timbers (Beaverton, OR)
Q: How did playing for WSU help prepare you for the next level in the WPSL?
A: First and foremost, the coaches helped me develop more as a player and person. I actually transferred into WSU after my first semester at Dayton due to an ACL tear a year before my college season. I reached out to Pat (Ferguson) and a few other schools, and I'm grateful that he was wiling to take that chance on me. The entire staff, including the strength and conditioning staff, helped me build confidence in my play and the physical aspect of it. I'd say that belief in myself was most important. If I didn't have that, who knows where I'd be today when it comes to soccer. The atmosphere and culture was amazing and a great fit. Playing at WSU prepared me for many life lessons ahead and helped me develop as a player, which in turn transferred on to playing at the next level.
Q: With the Timbers being a soccer club of several different age groups, what is the makeup of your team?
A: My club actually uses it as a developmental team, in addition to competing to win. What we do is allow our talented high school level girls play with us. Essentially our coach gets 5-8 good college and post college players who can help lead and mentor the younger girls. Our team is a good mix of girls! Since the Westside Timbers is also a youth soccer club, it's a family environment that is created throughout the whole club. I actually train with the older boy's teams throughout the off-season to stay on top of my game.
Q: What has the experience of playing with other talented young players been like?
A: It's always a joy to be around other talented young players, especially the ones that are eager to learn and always asking what they can do better next time. I enjoy that environment and to give back when I can. If I can help another player develop, then for me that's a win.
Q: What have you liked most about playing in the WPSL?
A: I enjoy just getting out there and playing. I love soccer, and it gives me a place that allows me to still compete at a high level and be challenged. I have heard they are looking to make the league even better and develop. I'm excited to see the changes they make and how it will impact soccer as a whole.
Q: How has it felt playing on the World Cup qualifying stage with Guyana?
A: It's been amazing. The people in place now are really looking to do big things and have a vision for the country as a whole. Our coaches are top notch and my teammates are great. It is a joy to be back out on that field again with those girls, and I'm looking forward to our future competitions. I also have a lot of pride in playing for Guyana and representing my father's homeland. For him, family is everything, and he's helped me a lot with my journey in soccer. Being able to represent his country gives him and his family great joy. I love being able to do that for him and my entire family back in Guyana.
Q: What are your goals with soccer moving forward?
A: Just to continue to develop everyday as a player and play some of the best soccer of my life. After chatting with the national team coach, I hope to be around for the next 3-5 years or so if the program can stay steady. We have a lot of potential, and I'm excited to see how that unfolds.
Two former Wright State women's soccer players, forward Brittany Persaud (2009-11) and midfielder Ashley Gogolin (2012-15), are still very much invested in their sport by playing in the second highest level of soccer in the country, the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The duo recently answered some questions about their experiences on the professional stage.
Ashley Gogolin, Columbus Eagles
Q: How did playing for WSU help prepare you for the next level in the WPSL?
A: Wright State grew a lot of aspects of my game: mentally, technically and physically. We thrived on being a gritty and hardworking team. I loved every minute of being a part of the program. I think just having that mindset drilled in pushed me to keep playing and strive to be a better player every time I step on the field.
Q: Has it been nice to play close to your hometown of Gahanna?
A: It has been really nice playing close to home. My parents have been my number one supporters from day one and being able to still have them at games after all these years is something I'm truly thankful for.
Q: What has the experience been like playing on a team full of talented young players?
A: Playing for the Eagles has been more than I could have hoped for. Everyone was so welcoming, and the team environment is outstanding. We are all there because we truly want to be there. It's not about scholarships or money anymore, but rather the pure joy of competing at a high level.
Q: What have you liked most about playing for the Eagles?
A: Honestly, the people. I couldn't have asked for better teammates or a better team environment. There was this common knowledge of the game, a maturity when things weren't going our way and just an overall joy for playing amongst the team that made this season very enjoyable.
Q: Are there any moments that have stood out this season?
A: This season has been full of standout moments. We set franchise records in wins, points, goals scored, least goals scored against and finished with the best league standing in club history. I was also finally able to end my scoring drought that lasted way longer than I was hoping!
Q: What are some of your goals with soccer moving forward?
A: I'm just trying to take it one practice and game at a time and enjoy every moment of it that I can. I really like where I'm at now, but if another opportunity arises in the future, who knows what I'll do.
Brittany Persaud, Westside Timbers (Beaverton, OR)
Q: How did playing for WSU help prepare you for the next level in the WPSL?
A: First and foremost, the coaches helped me develop more as a player and person. I actually transferred into WSU after my first semester at Dayton due to an ACL tear a year before my college season. I reached out to Pat (Ferguson) and a few other schools, and I'm grateful that he was wiling to take that chance on me. The entire staff, including the strength and conditioning staff, helped me build confidence in my play and the physical aspect of it. I'd say that belief in myself was most important. If I didn't have that, who knows where I'd be today when it comes to soccer. The atmosphere and culture was amazing and a great fit. Playing at WSU prepared me for many life lessons ahead and helped me develop as a player, which in turn transferred on to playing at the next level.
Q: With the Timbers being a soccer club of several different age groups, what is the makeup of your team?
A: My club actually uses it as a developmental team, in addition to competing to win. What we do is allow our talented high school level girls play with us. Essentially our coach gets 5-8 good college and post college players who can help lead and mentor the younger girls. Our team is a good mix of girls! Since the Westside Timbers is also a youth soccer club, it's a family environment that is created throughout the whole club. I actually train with the older boy's teams throughout the off-season to stay on top of my game.
Q: What has the experience of playing with other talented young players been like?
A: It's always a joy to be around other talented young players, especially the ones that are eager to learn and always asking what they can do better next time. I enjoy that environment and to give back when I can. If I can help another player develop, then for me that's a win.
Q: What have you liked most about playing in the WPSL?
A: I enjoy just getting out there and playing. I love soccer, and it gives me a place that allows me to still compete at a high level and be challenged. I have heard they are looking to make the league even better and develop. I'm excited to see the changes they make and how it will impact soccer as a whole.
Q: How has it felt playing on the World Cup qualifying stage with Guyana?
A: It's been amazing. The people in place now are really looking to do big things and have a vision for the country as a whole. Our coaches are top notch and my teammates are great. It is a joy to be back out on that field again with those girls, and I'm looking forward to our future competitions. I also have a lot of pride in playing for Guyana and representing my father's homeland. For him, family is everything, and he's helped me a lot with my journey in soccer. Being able to represent his country gives him and his family great joy. I love being able to do that for him and my entire family back in Guyana.
Q: What are your goals with soccer moving forward?
A: Just to continue to develop everyday as a player and play some of the best soccer of my life. After chatting with the national team coach, I hope to be around for the next 3-5 years or so if the program can stay steady. We have a lot of potential, and I'm excited to see how that unfolds.
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