Alyssa Allen is a senior on the Dowagiiac varsity softball team.

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

AA: I try not to consider things a disappointment, but instead use them as a learning experience to improve on a skill.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

AA: I have a few. Making varsity softball my freshman year in high school and also receiving the Outstanding Female Freshman Award at the All-Sports banquet that year. I was also very excited to hit my first over the fence home run last summer.

What has been a hardship in your life?

AA: I would have to say that making sure to balance my time between academic and athletic commitments.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

AA: My “hero” would be my mom and dad. My parents have always pushed me to do my best and they put every minute they have possible into helping me with my softball career.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

AA: The moment when I am most nervous while competing is when I am up to bat with bases loaded and two outs. I have to say though that this situation has helped me become the athlete I am today. It teaches me discipline, confidence and concentration.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

AA: I would have to say an embarrassing athletic moment I have had is when I started to run into the dugout and then realized there were only two outs.

 

How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself? 

AA: I attend hitting and pitching lessons, do weight training in the offseason and play travel softball after high school season is over.

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

AA: Softball is my passion. I also play volleyball, basketball and golf.

Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?

AA: My biggest fan would be my family. They are always there to support me and push me to be the best I can be.

How would you give away $50,000?

AA: If I had $50,000 to give away I would set up a scholarship account for the youth of our community so that all youth could have the resources to attend camps and purchase the equipment that they need to play the sports they love.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

AA: If I could be the head coach of a team for a year I would choose to coach my little sister’s travel team. They are 11 years old and love the game of softball. I love working with kids and seeing the excitement in their eyes for the sport that I have always loved.

If I did not play sports, I would…? 

AA: If I did not play sports, I would go crazy. I have played sports since I was four years old. It is what I love to do.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

AA: The most challenging thing for me to do in my sport is trying not to be too hard on myself. I am definitely my biggest critic. It is good to have high expectations for yourself but you also have to remember that everyone makes mistakes.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

AA: I really can’t think of a thing I would change about my sport. I love the game of softball.

What is the best compliment you have ever received? 

AA: One of the best compliments I have ever received was from my high school coach. I had not had a very good game that day, it was my freshman year and I came in the dugout disappointed in myself. I was upset and my coach had noticed. I sat in the dugout and said quietly to myself “Why am I crying?” My coach later told me that he heard what I said and that the reason that I was crying was because I cared and that is when he knew that I was the kind of player he wanted on his team.

What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?

AA: I would have to say taking swimming lessons at camp was very scary for me. I am glad that I did it, but I am still not a huge fan of swimming in the lake.

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

AA: I love when I see people doing random acts of kindness for others. It could be the littlest thing like opening the door for someone or it could be donating money or other things needed by a family in need. It is great when everybody works together to ensure others happiness.

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

AA: I spend the majority of my time playing sports. I do work part-time in the summer though and I enjoy listening to music and going to the beach with my friends.

Choose one word to describe yourself:

AA: Dedicated