Alyssa Parker 

#8 TEAM USA STRIKER

HOMETOWN: WOODBINE, MD

ALMA MATER: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

Why I Use STX

“It's all about the feel for me, and I loved the feel of STX since the first time I picked one up. Plus I think the versatility of their lines offer something for everybody."

Accolades

• • Named to the US National Team in 2016
  • 2015 NFCHA All-Region Second Team
  • Gold medal-winner at 2010 AAU Junior Olympics

Q&A

Q. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED PLAYING?

A. I started playing in 5th grade, however it was all about soccer & basketball for me. It wasn’t until about 10th grade that I actually became serious about field hockey.

Q. WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE (ANY SPORT) GROWING UP?

A. Growing up, my favorite athlete was Ray Lewis.

Q. WHAT WAS YOUR PLAY HUGE MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

A. Winning the State Championship my junior year in high school. It was the first time in my school’s history that we won the title and then we won it again my senior year.

Q. WHAT SONG IS ALWAYS ON YOUR PREGAME PLAY LIST?

A. Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

A. Coach Carter. My teammates at Maryland would always make fun of me because on every away trip I would bring it for the long bus rides and beg them to watch it with me.

Q. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNGER VERSION OF YOURSELF?

A. One piece of advice I would give to a younger version of myself would be to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. My coach at Maryland, Missy, always said that and I think it’s a great motto. I believe it’s only when you’re out of your comfort zone that you really grow as a person (and player).

Q. WHO IS ONE PERSON YOU (PAST OR PRESENT) WITH WHOM YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE DINNER?

A. I’m in love with Thomas Rhett so I would have to say him.

Q. WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO SEE CHANGED IN YOUR SPORT?

A. I wish when an aerial was thrown that you didn’t have to be five yards away from the person receiving it. I wish both opponents could attack the ball out of the air without penalty.

Q. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE TEAMMATE YOU’VE EVER PLAYED WITH?

A. My favorite teammate I ever played with was my older sister, Lauriann. When I was a freshman in high school, she was a senior and we played field hockey together for my first high school season (her last). I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play along side her.

Q. WHO IS OR WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HELPING YOU ON YOUR WAY TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE?

A. I would have to say my mom. She was the one who got me involved in field hockey in the first place. I know it’s super cheesy, but her support and confidence in me means the world to me and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

Q. DESCRIBE YOUR PLAYING STYLE IN THREE WORDS.

A. Calm, cool, & collected.

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE OR DRILL TO DO WHILE YOU’RE TRAINING AND WHY?

A. My favorite drill to do is anything that’s competitive. Whether it’s a shooting drill, or a possession drill – doesn’t matter to me… if it’s competitive I love it.

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRE-GAME MEAL?

A. Oatmeal with banana, peanut butter and blueberries all mixed in. My favorite!

Q. TELL US YOUR FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE.

A. “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

Q. IF YOU COULD PLAY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

A. I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. I’ve never been there and heard only good things about it.