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Gopher Soccer Spotlight: Ava Westlund
3/31/2026 2:52:00 PM | Soccer
Get to know transfer, Ava Westlund!
When Minnesota native Ava Westlund had the opportunity to come home, she took it. After three outstanding years at Cal Baptist and a successful season with the Minnesota Aurora, the opportunity to represent her home state and college was one she couldn't pass up. Westlund is excited to be challenged, return to her roots, and wear 'Minnesota' across her chest.Â
Gopher Sports: Can you tell me about your background?
Ava Westlund: "I was born and raised in Arden Hills (Minnesota), so only 10-15 minutes from campus. I grew up in a Christian home so I went to a Christian school from kindergarten until eighth grade, then Mounds View High School. I wanted a change of scenery for college, which led me to Cal Baptist and then I ended up coming back home."
GS: How did you start playing soccer?
AW: "I started playing when I was four with Arden Hills Parks and Rec. I dabbled in other sports, but nothing stuck like soccer. I don't remember playing any other position besides playing up top."
GS: When did you realize you had a future in soccer?
AW: "I never thought about it when I was younger, I went with the flow of things. High school is when it really hit me and I knew that there was going to be something after my high school career. Whether that was any division, I just knew I wanted to play."
GS: Did playing for the Minnesota Aurora over the summer help you prepare for playing at a high level?
AW: "Definitely. They're next level, with all of those players who compete at so many different levels. Some players have gone on to play professionally, I think it bumps you up there. Everyone is so smart and competitive. It's more than just grit."
GS: How did your relationship with Erin and her staff begin?
AW: "It happened really fast. She was one of the first coaches to reach out to me. Minnesota was at the top of my list, I knew it would be ideal to come back home. When she reached out to me, I was so happy. I was drawn to how much the staff poured into me, it was so intentional. When I came on my visit, everyone was so welcoming and I felt like family."
GS: How does it feel to come home and play for your home state for the Gophers and Aurora?
AW: "I never had it on my radar to play for the Gophers, but to have it as an option, it's such an honor to represent this school and Aurora."
GS: How would you describe yourself as a player to people who may not have seen you play?"
AW: "I'd say I'm the definition of a 'nine.' I like to hold up and get behind as a player. I'm strong, I'm fast when I want to be. I do the simple things well and I'm not super flashy. I make bangers when I can, but it's not how I usually score goals."
GS: What are some things you're looking forward to as a Gopher this spring?
AW: "Definitely the challenge, and I've been challenged so far. Even more than the physical and mental side, it's been a pretty big adjustment for me. I'm really looking forward to seeing how I can grow as a player and as a person. I'm being pushed outside of my comfort zone and growing in every aspect of my life."
GS: Do you have any goals for yourself in your first season?
AW: "I just want to make the biggest impact I can. I'm not the kind of person that wants the best stats, I genuinely want the best for the team. I just want to create any kind of scoring opportunity, whether that's assists, scoring, or any type of build up play, I just want to make an impact."
GS: Did you ever have a soccer player you looked up to growing up?
AW: "Sophie Smith and Trinity Rodman. They're both insane players and they inspire me not in the way I play, but what I want to add to my game. They are so attacking minded and love to take risks. Just seeing how they play is super inspiring."
Favorite soccer player? Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman
Favorite sports team? I don't have one!
Morning or night game? night game
If not soccer, what other sport? gymnastics would be super cool
Pregame coffee or energy drink? Energy drink, but maybe a coffee earlier in the day
Gopher Sports: Can you tell me about your background?
Ava Westlund: "I was born and raised in Arden Hills (Minnesota), so only 10-15 minutes from campus. I grew up in a Christian home so I went to a Christian school from kindergarten until eighth grade, then Mounds View High School. I wanted a change of scenery for college, which led me to Cal Baptist and then I ended up coming back home."
GS: How did you start playing soccer?
AW: "I started playing when I was four with Arden Hills Parks and Rec. I dabbled in other sports, but nothing stuck like soccer. I don't remember playing any other position besides playing up top."
GS: When did you realize you had a future in soccer?
AW: "I never thought about it when I was younger, I went with the flow of things. High school is when it really hit me and I knew that there was going to be something after my high school career. Whether that was any division, I just knew I wanted to play."
GS: Did playing for the Minnesota Aurora over the summer help you prepare for playing at a high level?
AW: "Definitely. They're next level, with all of those players who compete at so many different levels. Some players have gone on to play professionally, I think it bumps you up there. Everyone is so smart and competitive. It's more than just grit."
GS: How did your relationship with Erin and her staff begin?
AW: "It happened really fast. She was one of the first coaches to reach out to me. Minnesota was at the top of my list, I knew it would be ideal to come back home. When she reached out to me, I was so happy. I was drawn to how much the staff poured into me, it was so intentional. When I came on my visit, everyone was so welcoming and I felt like family."
GS: How does it feel to come home and play for your home state for the Gophers and Aurora?
AW: "I never had it on my radar to play for the Gophers, but to have it as an option, it's such an honor to represent this school and Aurora."
GS: How would you describe yourself as a player to people who may not have seen you play?"
AW: "I'd say I'm the definition of a 'nine.' I like to hold up and get behind as a player. I'm strong, I'm fast when I want to be. I do the simple things well and I'm not super flashy. I make bangers when I can, but it's not how I usually score goals."
GS: What are some things you're looking forward to as a Gopher this spring?
AW: "Definitely the challenge, and I've been challenged so far. Even more than the physical and mental side, it's been a pretty big adjustment for me. I'm really looking forward to seeing how I can grow as a player and as a person. I'm being pushed outside of my comfort zone and growing in every aspect of my life."
GS: Do you have any goals for yourself in your first season?
AW: "I just want to make the biggest impact I can. I'm not the kind of person that wants the best stats, I genuinely want the best for the team. I just want to create any kind of scoring opportunity, whether that's assists, scoring, or any type of build up play, I just want to make an impact."
GS: Did you ever have a soccer player you looked up to growing up?
AW: "Sophie Smith and Trinity Rodman. They're both insane players and they inspire me not in the way I play, but what I want to add to my game. They are so attacking minded and love to take risks. Just seeing how they play is super inspiring."
Favorite soccer player? Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman
Favorite sports team? I don't have one!
Morning or night game? night game
If not soccer, what other sport? gymnastics would be super cool
Pregame coffee or energy drink? Energy drink, but maybe a coffee earlier in the day
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