Player Feature: Cameron & Courtney Sengstock
- Gareth Mullins
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Cameron and Courtney Sengstock are two of a kind. Both entering their second year as a part of Edgewater Castle FC’s Women’s First Team, the sisters both contribute a lot to the team’s offense, with Cameron pressuring opposing defenses as a forward and Courtney commanding the midfield. In this part of our Player Features series, Cameron and Courtney talk about how their family influenced their playing careers, what they do on and off the pitch, and how the future generation of soccer players can get ready to play at their level.
What’s your earliest memory of playing soccer, and when did you realize you wanted to play it in your adult life?
Cameron: “My earliest memory was when my dad coached me in rec league. Then I got to high school, and I started playing travel soccer. And then I only ever looked at soccer for college [at Lewis University].”
Courtney: “The earliest memory of soccer was when I was playing for my dad when I was like five or six, and he kept playing me on the left wing. Yeah, I was a left footer. I'm a left-hander, and then one day I was like dad I'm a right footer. Ever since then, he’s [been my forever coach].”
What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a semi-professional soccer player?
Cameron: “I think just being able to be resilient, like, if you don't make a team, or you don't play, or someone's playing more minutes than you, just like, the mind instead of being like, well, I can get there, I can be better and you just work for it.”
Courtney: “Probably going through college [at Lewis University] during Covid. It was pretty tough because we lost our senior season, which was really tough. And then also fighting for playing time and proving myself throughout college was really tough.”
Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career?
Cameron: “My dad, because he coached me and my sisters and he's our number one fan.”
Courtney: “Yeah, definitely my dad was the most influential coach. Not because of all the knowledge he knew about soccer, because that was slim yeah, but more so just the support that he gave me and the confidence he had. He really helped me.
Is there a moment in your career you’re most proud of?
Cameron: “Probably my first collegiate goal my sophomore year of college, I just transferred in and I scored the winning goal. It was pretty sick.”
Courtney: Last year during the Edgewater season we had a really big game and it was for a big cup and we were super nervous about it, but I scored when that game and those goals were so exciting and it felt really good to win.
What does your typical day look like during the season vs. during the offseason?
Cameron: “Off season, I work nine-to-five in the city. I do a lot of cycling classes and lifting. I like running outside.”
Courtney: “I have a normal job. I'm a teacher. So, I go teach the youth and then head out to the city and kind of rest and come to practice. I try to go to bed right when I get home. Off season, I do a lot more stuff during the day just because I don't have to practice at night.”
How do you handle pressure or nerves before big games?
Cameron: “I have a quote that my dad always says to me. ‘Play your game.’ I write it on my wrist before every game. I like to sit on the turf and just kind of chill out and not talk to people for a couple minutes to tune in.”
Courtney: “I try to distract myself from getting in my own head because that's always been a problem for me. So, listening to music with the team in the locker room is always really nice, just to dance it out and get the nerves out of my system. Me and my sister listen to the same songs in the car on the way to the games just to keep that ritual going. I like that.”
If you weren’t playing soccer semi-professionally, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Cameron: “I’d probably try to be a runner, but I don't like running unless it’s soccer.”
Courtney: “If I didn't teach, I don't know. I probably would become a good pickleball player."
What is your favorite memory with the team?
Cameron: “Probably when I assisted [Courtney Sengstock’s] goal last year. We're sisters, so, anytime that we have a combination or I assist her goal, it's really exciting and fun.”
Courtney: “The bus ride last year to Indiana [to face Indiana Union] was really fun. I got really close with all the other girls.”
What’s your favorite pregame song?
Cameron: “‘That Power’ by Will-I-Am and Justin Bieber.”
Courtney: “‘Just want to rock’ by Lil Uzi Vert.”
Who’s your favorite soccer player?
Cameron: “I probably liked Alex Morgan when I was younger. She's good.”
Courtney: “Messi.”
What is your favorite pregame snack?
Cameron: “Apples and peanut butter and a [protein] bar of some type.”
Courtney: “An açaí bowl with lots of fruit and peanut butter before every single game.”
What advice would you give to young players who dream of going pro?
Cameron: “I would say look at the people that are leading the team, and try to be more like them from a player and a person aspect. Because they’ve obviously gone through a lot to get where they’re at, and it’s something to look up to.”
Courtney: “Just continue to want to play the game. I would say keep going. There's gonna be tough times. There's gonna be amazing times, and throughout the entire thing, it'll all be one great giant amazing memory. So, just keep going. Push through.”
