Strikers Stories

Anna Evenson finds her footing with Strikers!

Anna Evenson began her Strikers Story in high school. Now a college senior, Evenson reflects on how she's grown and what's next!

Published Jun 17, 2025

Anna Evenson grew up with the San Diego Strikers. She joined head coach Ray Taila’s youth team in 2018, when she was just a high school freshman and Strikers was still in its beginnings.

When Evenson and her teammates finished high school, those attending colleges in San Diego graduated into the Strikers’ women’s program. The San Diego SeaLions, a WPSL team with rich local history, had recently folded. Those players became the first generation of Strikers, followed by Evenson's teammates.

The team offered Evenson, still developing her confidence, a great opportunity.

When she’s not playing D3 soccer at California Lutheran University, Evenson now is a winger for the Strikers. She returns to the team seasonally as a way to stay in shape while on break, connect with old friends, and grow through experiences beyond the college playing field.

“I think it’s developed me as a player in so many different ways.” Evenson said. “In high school we were playing with girls my same age. Playing against D1 and high-competition players really helped my development as a player. I was pushed and challenged.”

She says playing with the Strikers has helped her find her confidence and grow into her potential. She recalled scoring her first goal as a WPSL player:

“It was my second season on the team in the adult league, and I remember being so awkward because I was 18 at the time. But when I scored, they were all so excited for me! It was cool to see someone older than me celebrate. It made me feel very appreciated.”

Evenson credits her more experienced teammates with helping her own her strengths as a player. The uplifting words, compliments, and lasting relationships on the team make Strikers a special environment for players at any point in their soccer careers.

“Every time you have your head down, people come by and say, ‘Pick your head up!’” Evenson said. “Other teams, they don’t really talk.” She said with the Strikers, it’s a different story; practices are filled with laughter as well as serious competition.

Evenson said high school and college were all about developing her play to get recruited. “Now it’s about enjoyment,” she said. “I can’t ever see myself not playing soccer.”

As Evenson considers her options following graduation, she’s now more focused on honing her skills, working on her mental game, and having fun! Evenson is deciding whether to pursue professional play abroad or begin her career in nursing.

No matter which step is next in Evenson's story, being a Striker means she will always have the option to play the game she loves!

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Strikers fans, thank you for all the support for our 2025 season so far! Every bit counts towards keeping women's soccer thriving in San Diego so we can make more Strikers Stories possible.

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Go Strikers!

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