Last Year, She was Injured. This Year, She Netted a Dagger against the No. 1 Team

From clinching a national championship early in her collegiate career to overcoming one of her toughest injuries, Lexi Wright is now a seasoned leader guiding a young UCLA Women’s Soccer squad.  

On Sunday, September 7th, No. 18 UCLA stunned No. 1 Stanford with a 2-0 victory, marking the Cardinal's first loss of the season. Wright, returning from a year-long injury, sealed the win in the 79th minute. 

In this candid interview, Wright reflects on her goal against No. 1 Stanford, the team’s growth, and the moments that have shaped her both on and off the field. 

Andrew McDevitt (Host): Alright, Lexi, how do you feel the team gelled through the first portion of the season?  

Lexi Wright: I think that was really crucial for us. I mean, we have 23 underclassmen, so just getting a few games under our belt and figuring out how to work with different people, play different positions. I think it was very good, and we showed it in Stanford. I think that was our best team performance, for sure. 

You're a national champion, you've scored big goals throughout your collegiate career. What was it about Sunday's goal that made you so emotional?  

It's been a journey. This has been the hardest recovery I've had. I knew going into it, once I did finally get that goal, all the emotions of this past year - over a year... and it’s still been difficult. I knew all that was gonna come out. But yeah, it was a really special moment.  

Did you ever doubt during that process that you'd be back on the field scoring big goals in big games?  

Yes, many, many times. That goal was definitely a boost of encouragement. I think I needed to just keep pushing. 

This is your second goal against a No. 1 ranked team. What is it about No. 1 ranked teams that make you show up and have big moments?  

I don't know, man. I love the competitiveness, and Stanford's a great team. I didn't know how much I was gonna get to play, and [I was] just trying to make the most of the minutes I had. Oruha played me such a great ball, and luckily I was able to get at the end of it.  

Your family also has an interesting backstory with Stanford. Can you explain a little bit about that?  

Yes, yes. So my dad played football at Stanford. My parents met in the Bay Area, so me and my brother grew up going to all the Stanford camps, and my brother went to all the football camps. I had met Marg (UCLA head coach Margueritte Aozasa) at one of those camps when I was a kid, so it's a funny crossover. But my dad now, he's all for the Bruins.  

I was gonna ask, was it like a split jersey or no?  

No, there's no question. He's all UCLA’d out.  

You guys now switch gears and head into conference play. Does the mentality change at all? Do you do anything different as you head into Big Ten play?  

I don't think anything has changed, but I think each game we've tried to learn and get better... [We’re] trying to continue that starting off conference play strong coming off of Stanford. I think that will be really crucial for us.  

You guys jumped to No. 4 in the coach’s poll. Is that something that's discussed in the locker room, or is that just kind of outside noise?  

You know, here and there people mention it. But, especially being older, I'm like, “Guys, it's important to get seeded well to have a home game, but once the tournament hits, it does not matter about the rankings.” You don't want your ego too high or too low, just attacking each game.  

How has this experience been for you? You started your career with a ton of success, winning a national championship very early on, and now you're the one that everyone's looking to for that guidance. What can we expect as we head down the stretch?  

I think it's been different, especially coming as a fifth year, but also coming back from injury. It's been a little different, just not always being able to be out on the field. But [I've been] trying to be a friend to all the younger girls, showing them the ropes a little bit with being in college and with school starting and how to manage it all. But we have a great group, such young talent, and everyone's excited to be here. They've shown it and done a great job.  

This will be your first experience going through a Big Ten Conference schedule. What do you expect heading into that? And is there anything that you learned last year watching your teammates go through the process?  

I think time management, especially with the recovery aspect, traveling way farther, obviously. Last year, all my roommates were gone for like 10 days at a time. So, it's definitely a long stretch. Just taking care of your body is super important. But I personally am very excited to see some new places. I'm looking forward to it.  

Who was your favorite athlete when you were growing up?  

Growing up, okay, going back to Stanford, I actually loved watching Christian McCaffrey, going to all those games. He was one of my favorites growing up.  

Are we still pulling for him in the Bay Area, or do you have a different NFL team?  

I personally don't have a team. I do like Brock Purdy. I like having family out there. I root for the 49ers, but I wouldn't say I'm a 49ers fan.  

My favorite female athlete, I love Sydney McLaughlin though. She's awesome. She runs on the track a lot at Drake [Stadium], and I've met her a few times. I've read her book, so she's a big role model. I'll watch her in the Olympics. 

Who are you listening to pregame?  

I either like worship music or honestly country music. I love country music. I get teased for it a lot, but I love country music. 

Go-to postgame meal? 

We always do family catering, so I love pasta, any Italian food, maybe like a Slurpee from 7-Eleven.  

Let's say something goes wrong at your apartment. Which teammate are you gonna call to try and fix it?  

Nicki Fraser. She's a genius, so I have faith that she could fix whatever goes wrong.  

Which Big Ten stadium are you most looking forward to going to this season?  

Honestly, Michigan. We go to Michigan next week. I'm very excited to see their school. It's beautiful out there. I've been to lakes, but I'm excited to see their campus and everything.  

What is something that most people wouldn't know about Lexi?  

I play guitar. I've been getting back into it. I don't think a lot of people know that. I'm not the best at it, but I guess that's a fun fact a lot of people don't know.  

We've been doing a team Bible study, so we've been doing some worship and singing, so I think it took a lot of people off guard that I was playing guitar.  

What's your favorite place on campus at UCLA that you're gonna miss?  

I love the Luskin Hotel. Their lobby, going and studying and sitting in the lounge area has always been my favorite.  

Lexi Wright’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and passion for the game. From overcoming a challenging recovery to delivering a game-sealing goal against the nation’s top team, she continues to inspire both her teammates and fans. As UCLA heads into Big Ten play, Wright’s experience and determination will be key in shaping the Bruins’ success this season. 

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