Meet Allison! Allison is a dedicated soccer player and active athlete from Manalapan, New Jersey. Soccer has had a profound influence on her life, guiding her towards a lifestyle filled with activity and drive.
Since childhood, Allison has been passionate about soccer, a love that persisted throughout her high school years where she excelled as a four-year player in both soccer and lacrosse. Her time at Manalapan High School included leading the soccer team to victory in the A North Championship in 2009 and 2011. In 2012, she was honored with the Offensive Player of the Year award and selected for the Coaches’ Division All-Monmouth County team. Allison’s contributions were instrumental to her team’s success. Following high school, Allison pursued higher education at the University of Albany, majoring in communications while continuing to play a pivotal role on the Women’s Soccer Team.
Even beyond her collegiate years, sports and fitness remain central to Allison’s life. She maintains an active lifestyle, engaging in various activities at Fitness By The Sea such as CrossFit-style workouts, HIIT, weightlifting, and running. Her future ambitions include completing both a half marathon and eventually a full marathon.
Aside from her athletic pursuits, Allison finds joy in spending time with her beloved bulldog, Pork Chop, and spending her summers at the beach. Fitness has not only shaped her personal life but has also positively impacted her career as a meeting and events planner, instilling in her a sense of discipline, determination, and hard work. Read about Allison and how sports had a positive impact on her life!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
Almost everything! Soccer, softball, basketball, and lacrosse… and believe it or not, dance for a few years.
Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
Not from what I remember as a child. I did start lacrosse very late (in high-school)! I was hesitant to even bother trying, since I would need to learn from square 1. I ended up getting the hang of the movements and loving the sport. but I would thank the group of girls I was part of a team with, to help me stick through it. They made practice a time I look forward to going to, every day after school.
Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?
My sister. My sister was a powerhouse on the soccer field. Being a few years older, I always looked up to her, and asked her advice when it came to soccer. Unfortunately, her soccer career came to an end her freshman year of college with an ACL tear. That was the moment I decided that I wanted to continue my career through college to make her proud.
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
My favorite memory would probably be our last conference collegiate soccer game. It was a moment I will always remember, because I was part of UAlbany Women’s soccer history. The score was 0-1, us down against Hartford in the America East finals. With 10 minutes left, I was able to capitalize on a free kick, and tie up the game. Then a few minutes later, my best friend, on the team was able to score the winning goal. This was the first time UAlbany Women’s soccer won their conference title. It was bittersweet, as the last four years were challenging due to many staff changes, teammates leaving, and injuries. It was a proud and memorable moment for everyone, and such a great high note to end my soccer career.
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
It has shaped everything about me as a person. It has taught me to always work hard in everything I do. That I am capable of accomplished anything I set my mind to. It has taught me patience, because sometimes you may not get to see results right away. But to buy into the mantra to “keep working hard and good things will come.”
I am so grateful to have had sports in my life. It has opened up so many opportunities to learn and grow as a person. It has given me life long friends, with unforgettable memories. I tell everyone, who are thinking about trying a new sport, or an opportunity sports present to you, TAKE IT. You will never know how much of a positive impact it will have on your life, unless you try it.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?
HAVE FUN! Do not be too hard on yourself. If you’re struggling with something, keep practicing. Nothing is more satisfying than looking back on how far you came with perfecting a skill. This should make you instantly proud of yourself!
Coach Rachel 