Paige Wester: More than a Game
10/22/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Natalie Puckett, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant
On the banks of the Red Cedar, senior forward Paige Wester has made her mark on the Michigan State Women's Soccer program. As her final season of collegiate soccer unfolds, Wester reflected on how soccer has shaped her as a student-athlete.
"My family members went here and I love the campus," said Wester. "I have been here so many times, and obviously the coaches are awesome."
Wester, who is originally from Portage, Michigan, attributes her love of soccer to her older brother, Nick. Starting at the age of four and playing competitively by six, Wester has been involved in soccer nearly her entire life.
"My older brother is the one who started it," said Wester. "He is four years older than me, and I always watched him play. I have loved soccer ever since."
In high school, Wester was named to the All-Conference, All-District and All-State First Team in her freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons at Portage Central High School. The hometown standout also held the title of Ms. Soccer her sophomore and junior year.
Wester, who led her high school team to a Division 1 State Championship 2009, also led her club team, the Michigan Hawks, to a Midwest Regional League Championship title in 2008 and 2009, along with an appearance in that National Championships in 2010.
Wester's commitment and enthusiasm toward the game quickly caught the eye of head coach Tom Saxton.
"Paige has a great sense of humor, is laid back, and always plays 110%," said Saxton. "Her off-the-field demeanor kind of hides the intensity she brings on the field. She's a hard-working warrior."
Throughout the recruiting process, the women's soccer team proved to be not only outstanding athletes, but teammates that Wester truly felt connected with on and off the field.
"When I was getting recruited, the team and the girls were really fun to be around," said Wester. "The atmosphere is amazing. It's a Big Ten school, and you can't beat that."
Michigan State proved to be a home away from home for Wester. Her competitive nature has driven her to excel and grow both athletically and academically. Coming out on top has only increased her love for the sport.
"The best part is honestly winning; it is so much fun," said Wester. "Getting to experience that with your teammates is awesome."
As a freshman, Wester appeared in 19 games and recorded four assists. She came back even stronger, starting 18 games and tallying three goals as a sophomore. In her junior year, Wester earned the game-winning goal against Purdue and posted three assists.
As her senior season unfolds, Wester has come to realize how much she will miss the strong bonds and sense of sisterhood that she has gained from the team.
"I love being on a team and having my teammates around," said Wester. "I think each person individually motivates me. I look up to each person for something, even the freshman."
Coach Saxton voiced what a true asset Wester is to his team. Watching Wester grow as a person and an athlete has proven to be satisfying for the women's soccer program.
"She is a great soccer player," said Saxton. "I think more than anything else, she's improved as a leader and a student-athlete in her time here."
Along with the love for her team and sport, Wester truly bleeds green.
"I love how huge the campus is," said Wester. "There are so many different walks of life, and so many people. I love where I live, my roommates, my classes; there's nothing bad to say about MSU."
With her senior year coming to an end, Wester took time to share her advice for future Spartans that will make East Lansing their home in the coming years.
"It goes by fast," said Wester. "Just embrace every moment; it is a blast. You can't get anything better than being on a team with 35 girls that are awesome. Just enjoy every moment of it."
