Get to Know Cougar Soccer | Lexi Lee - Washington State University Athletics

Coming from Oklahoma, what are the main differences between here and there in Pullman?

The people here. The staff. I've never felt so loved at a place, and people are going out of their way to help you all the time. It's been amazing since I've been here, and even my teammates, too, the people from Montana and Washington State coming together, and the way both of them have helped me here has been amazing. It is crazy.

What about the WSU program made you want to transfer here?

So, actually, I met Chris at Montana on my visit, and I loved him and Ash [Herndon], and so I had told them that I was gonna go there, and then he told me that he was gonna come to Washington State, and so I kind of just followed him. And I was really just hoping for the best, and it's been way better than I expected. The facilities here are crazy, too.

What about Chris made you want to follow him?

I've talked to a lot of coaches, especially before even committing to a school, and now, after transferring, the way he had to talk about his players, as well as his coaching staff, you could tell it wasn't fake. And then when I met the girls and the way they talked about him, I could tell it wasn't these false promises that I was gonna get here. I knew that it was gonna be true. And the way he actually cares about the players.

What has been your favorite soccer memory, like collegiate or youth?

Actually, it's at my old school. My freshman year: my first-ever game. I don't remember - think it was against Mizzou. I scored after going in for, like, 10 minutes. Just coming in as a freshman, you don't have very much confidence, and you're scared. And so that was kind of a very big moment for me. And, the way the girls at the time that were there, the way they celebrated with me was amazing.  

What do you think are your biggest strengths on the field?

I have a very good soccer IQ, great vision, and the way I move on and off the ball, and I'm able to connect with players; I'm a very team player. As a forward, yes, you have to be selfish, but I also love to be able to set up my teammates for them to score, too.

What are you looking forward to most for this coming season?

I'm looking forward to just playing with these girls. The way we've played against, we've played against the boys practice players, and the way we even play against them, it's crazy. I'm so excited to play the fall and win a bunch. That's what I'm excited for.  

What are three words you would use to describe a team or, like, a phrase or?

I would say family is probably one. And, I mean, Chris has words, like joy. There's nothing but happiness and joy with them. And also, relentless effort. That team will do anything for you. If anybody talks badly about you, they'll go up and, I wouldn't say, punch them or something, but they do something about it.

What is your pre-match superstition or routine?  

I always call my dad, 'cause he used to play soccer, and he always hypes me up or gives me a little pre-game talk. And then I usually drink half an energy drink, and then I usually always put on my stuff, left sock, right sock, then left and right cleat. I think that's it. I always have to gel my hair back, too, but I bet everybody does that.  

How are you enjoying Pullman so far?

I actually love it, 'cause at my old school, we didn't have a Target this close, so I love that we have a Target.  But also the people here, again, I keep saying they've been amazing. And I'm really happy here. Compared to my old school, I didn't have the best experience. So I was kind of sad, and just, like, 'oh my God, I could have the same experience going to this next school', and it's been a complete 180, and it's been amazing.  

Who has influenced you, influenced your development the most as a player?  

I had a coach in club soccer, Aaron Gordon, and also his wife is a coach. She coaches at a college now, Ashley Gordon. They even helped me in the transfer portal.  They, too, have been... probably the best coaches I've ever had to help me develop, 'cause I was an attacking mid, and now I'm a forward, and he helped me move up to that and gain confidence, and was also a coach that would yell at you a bunch, but in the way that he loved me and my team so much that it grew me as a person and as a player.

What is your current hyperfixation?

I used to be obsessed with baking. I've just been kind of busy lately, but I love to make sourdough. Oh. I love making sourdough and, like, banana bread, cookies, and other sweet treats.

Do you do just regular sourdough? Because I've seen people on TikTok, too, like crazy sourdough flavors.  

I haven't done anything crazy. I have done Italian. I've done like chocolate chip brown sugar, but I wanna try a pizza loaf for something crazy out there.

They look so good. Like, I saw someone do a butter chicken loaf once.  

I've seen the - what is it? It's like the buffalo chicken dip one. Oh my gosh, I want to make that one so badly.  

Washington State University Athletics

Get to Know Cougar Soccer | Lexi Lee

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