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ASU Soccer: Freshman White’s resiliency, versatility key to future of team

By Edwin Perez

TEMPE, AZ - AUGUST 28: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot, "Sparky" performs during the college football game against the Weber State Wildcats at Sun Devil Stadium on August 28, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 45-14. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - AUGUST 28: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot, "Sparky" performs during the college football game against the Weber State Wildcats at Sun Devil Stadium on August 28, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 45-14. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ASU soccer defender Anna White brings resiliency, versatility and hard work to the pitch, making her a key part of the future of the team’s defense.

Anna White made appearances in 10 of the 18 games (not including exhibitions) the Sun Devils played this year. That stat is big especially in her position of center back where senior defenders Angela Boyle and Madison Wolf will eventually graduate, meaning two players will have to fill in that role.

White was not always been a center back. In fact, she came in playing more as central defensive midfielder. Coach Graham Winkworth saw her ability to play in different roles which allows him to choose where to put her.

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“She is one of the most versatile players in this class playing multiple positions. I want to take a good look at her in both the back line and midfield early in her career,” Coach Graham Winkworth told TheSunDevils.com. “She is quick, technically gifted and good playing under pressure.”

This type of talent has allowed White to have a successful career so far in soccer. She previously won the 5A State Championship in Arizona in 2015 and 2016. Also pairing with those championships, she was recognized as the 2018 NorthEast Region Player of the year in Arizona.

Her journey, which began at the age of five, to ASU has not always been smooth. She tore both of her ACLs while playing soccer, but her qualities helped overcome those injuries.

“Competitive, hard working, care free, but also resilient,” White said.

One thing that is key to her is her family. She is family oriented, and her role model is her brother.

“As an athlete, my role model is my brother. He plays football at Michigan and walked on there,” White said. “He had to put in a ton of work and was doubted, so seeing him on field makes me work hard here.”

Not only did having her family being here played a role in her decision to come to ASU, the vision from Winkworth and his outlook on life and team brought her to the team.

When it comes to the team itself, she seems that this team is the best she has been a part of.

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“This has been the best team I have been a part of and I have been a part of plenty team,” White said. “I am a freshman but I don’t feel like one because they are very welcoming, encouraging, and pick you up when you are down.”

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.