(Originally published in print edition of The Oregonian Oct. 13, 2012 Community News, Oregonian story link online)
Name: Alyssa Durdel
(Photo: Dorian Photography)Age: 16
Where she lives: Tigard
Grade/School: Junior /Tualatin High School
Sport: Girls Soccer
Coach: Rossano Rocha <cq/>
Highlights of season: “I couldn’t be more thankful to say I am finally returning to the field following an Achilles injury. My biggest accomplishment is getting myself on track, setting high goals, and working as hard as I can every day. Winning State last year was incredible for our whole team!”
How she got started: “I was about 3-years-old and wanted to start playing competitive sports like my brother, instead of dance. So they put me in soccer and I’ve loved it since. I started with Southside Youth Soccer, to PDP (Player Development Program), to Southside Classic Soccer, and finally to OSSA Soccer Club.”
Coach’s advice: “Don’t stress about your mistakes, move forward and learn from them. Each individual on the field puts their cleats on and ties them the same way you did.”
Favorite part of sport: “It gives me a natural high. When I’m playing all I think about is the game, any stress or worries that I had go away and become non-existent.”
Favorite meal the night before the big event: “Any kind of pasta.”
Photo: Jason LandmarkOffseason: “I go straight from high school soccer to club soccer where I play for OSSA.”
Rules to live by: “Always help those who can’t help themselves, and treat others the way you want to be treated!”
Giving back: “I enjoy serving meals to the homeless in Tigard, through Calvin Presbyterian Church.”
Hobbies: “Surfing and wakeboarding are a big part of my summers.”
On her iPod: Macklemore, Luke Bryan, Drake, Rascal Flatts, Passion Pit, Kid Cudi. <cq/>
Favorite Books: Perks of Being a Wallflower and A Child Called “It”.
The one thing someone may not know about her: “I have a Toy Story blanket, I take everywhere with me and it’s super soft.”
What’s next? “Hoping to win another State title, senior year, and then hopefully I will be playing soccer somewhere in college.”
n Cornelia Becker Seigneur: cornelia@corneliaseigneur.com
