Alexandria (Allie) Ridge '24 Recruiting Profile

When I was two years old, I watched my brother play soccer and always asked my mom, "when is it my turn to play?" When I was finally old enough to kick the ball around with all the other kids, I was so happy to run around and with a huge ball that was about half my size while other kids cried on the field asking for their parents. When I play soccer, I am in a place and point in time where I can fully be myself. Over the years, I have been in the forward position and then became an attacking midfielder. Some of my coaches have referred to me as a playmaker as I can read the field and make plays to get goals for the team. Everyone likes to highlight their few seconds of greatness on the field, but with the right teammates, the ball is strategically moved across the field by several teammates to allow for the forward to score, just like the goalie is the last line of defense when no one was able to stop the other team from shooting on the net. As a team member, I fully support my team on and off the field. When I made Captain this year of my High School Varsity team, I was honored because my coaches and my team recognized that I am a leader and supporter of team members on and off the field. Being an athlete that has played various sports, I have come to appreciate the importance of both the mental and physical well being of fellow athletes and teammates. This is what has inspired me to major in Psychology so I can work with kids like me, who love the sport but have also felt the pressure of winning and the fear of failure.