Sea Kings’ setup man shines through

Rick Devereux

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

If this Biblical saying is true, Corona del Mar High boys soccer

co-captain Grant Almquist is a very blessed person.

The senior defender registered two assists in CdM’s 3-0 victory

over University to earn Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week honors.

“Grant has a knack for finding the ball,” Coach Pat Callaghan

said. “He is tremendously knowledgeable about the game of soccer.”

Almquist gained his soccer knowledge by growing up in a soccer

family. His brother Andy was a senior captain of the CdM team when

Grant was a freshman.

“Grant has grown a lot [since his freshman year],” Callaghan said.

“I think it was tough for him to be on the varsity team when his

brother was the captain. But he used [Andy] as a role model.”

Callaghan said Grant did not play a lot as a freshman and he

played midfielder, so when Grant did see action he was not in his

natural position of fullback.

“I think his confidence went down a little because of that,”

Callaghan said. “It was something he had to overcome. Through those

struggles you can decide to either feel sorry for yourself or you can

bust your butt to get better. Grant got better.”

Instead of sulking on the bench, Almquist studied the way his

teammates played.

“I was able to watch how players play since I was a freshman,”

Almquist said. “I have taken a lot from other players.”

One of the main players he tried to emulate was his brother Andy.

“It was a little awkward playing with him when I was a freshman,

but he has been a great role model for me,” Almquist said. “I think

we play the same way. We’re quick and strong and win balls in the

air.”

Once Almquist was moved from the midfielder to his current

position of right fullback, things exploded for the Sea Kings.

Last year, in his first year at right fullback, Almquist helped

CdM win the Pacific Coast League title and advance to the CIF

Southern Section Division II semifinals.

This year, the Sea Kings are 11-6-3 overall and 6-2-1 in league. A

major reason for the success is Almquist.

“He has good skills in controlling and passing the ball,”

Callaghan said. “His biggest skill is his ability to distribute the

ball where we need it. He takes all of our free kicks and corner

kicks. He sets up all of our plays.”

The willingness to help others score instead of scoring himself

came to Almquist when he was younger.

“Getting assists has always been a favorite for me,” Almquist

said. “Even when I was little playing basketball, I liked to get

assists more than scoring.”

Almquist has averaged an assist an game in league play, but he is

also known for being a strong defender.