Wassell puts women’s soccer in good hands

She started her first game for the women’s soccer team a day after turning 17 and was declared the Rebels’ permanent starting goalkeeper shortly after that.

Now a sophomore, the 18-year-old Las Vegan knows an entire season could hinge upon her ability to keep opponents from putting the ball in the net.

Not a problem.

"I was pretty nervous last year," said Wassell, a Bonanza High School product. "The game was bigger, faster paced and more physical than it was in high school, but getting the opportunity to play definitely helped. I’ve learned to adapt to a different game, and I’m way more confident."

UNLV coach Jennifer Klein, in her second season, said she feels fortunate to have Wassell on her roster. The Rebels lost their entire offense to graduation in the spring, meaning they might be playing some low-scoring games.

"Kylie’s a very young goalkeeper, but she doesn’t play as if she’s a young goalkeeper," Klein said. "She played very well throughout last season, and she played on a semipro team over the summer, which was awesome for her."

Wassell, who spent the summer playing for California’s North Bay FC Wave, held UNLV opponents to 1.45 goals a game while logging 73 saves last season. She’s off to another strong start, allowing three goals over four games, while recording 21 saves.

Klein said she expects that success to continue.

"She plays like a veteran junior," Klein said. "I think she’s going to be unbelievably good. The great thing is she’s been getting experience right from the start. The more she plays, the better she’s going to get."

Wassell is one of eight local products on the Rebels’ roster.

"There is a lot of talent (in Las Vegas)," Klein said. "We’re always happy when we get a kid who wants to stay. Having local players draws fans’ attention back to UNLV soccer."

Wassell said she views her Las Vegas ties as a source of pride.

"Being a local matters," she said. "Kids on the sideline are looking up to you. It’s important for the people watching to know that there are players who have pride in their city."

Though Wassell hopes to live up to her coach’s long-term projections, she is more focused on the season at hand. An NCAA Tournament appearance is the team’s goal, and she intends to do what’s necessary to make sure the Rebels get there.

"I definitely think we can win the Mountain West Conference championship," she said. "Both this year and down the road. We have the players and the chemistry to do that."

Though Wassell is excelling, the Rebels are struggling to score. They dropped to 1-3 after a 1-0 double-overtime loss at Portland State on Friday and a 1-0 setback to Oregon on Sunday. Wassell logged nine saves in the two games.

The Rebels’ next chance comes in the Wolf Pack Invitational this weekend in Reno, where they will open Friday against Detroit.