On Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, Pennridge senior Allie Smith was recognized for committing to continue her soccer career at Clarion University.
Allie Smith – Penn West Clarion University (Soccer)
Major: Forensic chemistry
Final list of colleges: “Clarion, PennWest California University.
Reasons for choosing Clarion: “The people and facilities available.”
Philadelphia Ukrainian National Soccer Club coach Matthew Bernstein says: “Allie has all the intangibles. She shows up, she puts the work in, she’s an outstanding teammate, she’s supportive, she works hard, she stays late. She has all the different ingredients you need to have and put into the recipe to become a strong athlete. There’s a famous sports quote out there that says, ‘Success isn’t owned. It’s leased, and rent is due every day,’ and Allie embodies that.
“There are times I’ll get down on her. There are times when she’ll do something stupid like any teenager will. I’m the type of coach – I embrace mistakes because you can’t be successful without them, but I also believe that - after a certain period of time - mistakes become choices, and when they become choices, I expect my players to be accountable for them. I think that’s what builds character. Allie owns it, and when my athletes own it, you have our respect, and that’s hard-earned, and she has it.”
About Allie:
Favorite food: Crab legs
Favorite TV show: BoJack Horseman
Favorite artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Log in to post comments
