Lobo alum Webster to play in Denmark
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Brooke Webster’s passion for soccer is undeniable – so much so that when her senior season at The University of New Mexico ended in 2016 she knew she wasn’t ready to hang up her cleats when it came to competitive competition.
The issue was finding a place to ply her trade – but a UNM connection helped get her foot in the door and Webster now finds herself heading overseas to Denmark later in August to play professionally for Varde IF in the 3F Ligaen.
“This is something that I’ve been pursuing a long time,” Webster said. “But then throughout my college career, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to try to pursue anything competitive after I graduated. … For a while, my feet and my knees thought I was possibly done. But who was I kidding? As time went on after I finished my time playing as a Lobo, it became clear I wasn’t done playing. It was a 10 out of 10 I’m definitely going to play soccer competitively somewhere in the world.”
The Huntington Beach, California, native was a steady force in the midfield for the Lobos during her four seasons in Albuquerque – particularly her final three years as she played in all 56 games and logged 3,340 minutes. Webster capped her Lobo career in grand fashion as she converted a penalty kick in overtime for her first career goal to defeat San Diego State 2-1 in UNM’s 2016 season finale.
In Webster’s final semester in the spring, she worked with UNM head coach Heather Dyche in putting together a highlight tape to send overseas to get a chance – but nothing was certain. Following graduation and back in Huntington Beach, Webster asked former Lobos who continued their careers if any knew of a team in need of someone who plays her position (a holding midfielder).
Turns out, the break she got was in the locker room next to the Lobos’ on the men’s side.
UNM 2016 All-American and MLS first-round draft pick for the Columbus Crew Niko Hansen’s father – Peter Hansen – is a director of a top division women’s team in Denmark. Through Niko, he got a look at Webster’s film and decided to give Webster a chance.
“I’m so excited to experience everything there is to experience in a new culture,” Webster said. “Not only am I really looking forward to the adventure of travel and exploring, but the fact that I get to do all of that while I play is unreal. … But I’m focused on doing my best to prove that the risk Peter took on me was worth it. Getting outside of my comfort zone will be an opportunity to grow, so whatever nerves I may have are at ease knowing that.”
For Dyche, she’s pleased to see a player like Webster – who she has such high regard for – continue her soccer career.
“What we want to do here, along with being a great student-athlete, is give our players the opportunity to play after they are done at UNM,” Dyche said. “We have a lot of players that deserve this chance and I’m glad Brooke has this opportunity. She is as passionate about the game than anyone you will meet and put so much work into it during her time here. I’m very proud and excited for Brooke.”
Webster is back in the Duke City and training with the Lobos as she prepares to leave for Denmark on Aug. 20. It also gives her a chance to be on the field with her sister Bailey, who is a junior for the Lobos and now wears the No. 11 – the same number Brooke wore as did their older sister, Brianna – who played for the Lobos from 2010-13.
“I will most definitely be keeping close tabs on my Lobos,” Webster said. “It’s a bit odd not being in preseason right now with my best friends, but it also feels right. I do miss the whole atmosphere, but it is fun to live vicariously through my people as they embark on the journey of season. Having some of my best friends and my sister still on the team makes it easy for me to live through them. I love that Bailey is on the team, and it’s so cool to me that she is now wearing No. 11. … Fortunately, Heather is letting me train with the team before I head over to Denmark so I’ll get to see the girls in action. Plus, I’ll be there to watch their home opener on Aug. 18.”
The Lobos host San Francisco at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 in their season opener, but play an exhibition game against Colorado State-Pueblo 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 at UNM Soccer Complex.