Athlete of the week: Alyssa Mallery

By Ida Ynner Lagerqvist
Staff Writer

Sophomore, criminal justice major Alyssa Mallery led the way for the Pioneers women’s lacrosse team when they beat University of New Haven 16-15 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on March 13. The 20-year-old mid fielder from Wantagh, NY had a career best of six goals on ten shots.

Lacrosse has been a part of Mallery’s life for about 12 years, and it means a lot for her to play with all of her friends and watch them succeed. When asking Mallery about her own performance in their last game she pointed out that the team’s effort and success is more important than her own. “I think everyone contributed to the win we had against New Haven. It’s a great feeling to score, but I was happier knowing that everyone worked hard to earn that win,” Mallery said.

Mallery’s humble attitude and willingness to work hard is something that is well known by the team’s coach Meghan McNamara. “Alyssa is a team player that is a piece to our success. She has a heart and work ethic that is never questioned. You just see it when she steps foot on the field in practice and in games. She is an unselfish player that is all about this team,” McNamara said.

Coach McNamara also described Mallery as a dominant piece to their offensive side who always is a threat to their opponents. McNamara emphasized that the mid fielder position that Mallery plays is great off the draw to gain their possessions, and that it gives the team opportunities to score. Mallery herself agrees, “I enjoy being on the circle for the draw because I use my speed to gain possession of the ball.”

This is Mallery’s second year as a player on the Pioneers women’s lacrosse team. Last year, the team won the East Coast Conference Championships, an achievement that she sees as her best memory as a Pioneer.

Looking forward to the rest of their season, Mallery says that she sees a team that will succeed. “We still have some things to improve on, but I believe that we will have a very successful year.”