Oct. 15, 2008
Entering the 2008 season, junior Ally Kenney had a streak of 33 straight starts for Explorers, and had started 38 total games - the most among returners on the team. Her overall 40 games played was one less than classmate Traci DePasquale's team-leading 41 - among returners.
So, it was no wonder that - for other reasons as well - these two were named captains of this year's squad and each has lived up to expectations. DePasquale leads La Salle in assists and is tied for second in goals, while Kenney has been a focal point on the defensive side of the ball.
However, she has contributed on the offensive side, with a goal and two assists. Her streak of consecutive starts did end, however, after missing the third and fourth games of the year, but has started all 12 games she has played in.
Put into the captain's role this year is a change for both players, but Kenney seems to really understand what is expected of her from the coaching staff.
"You have to deal with so many completely different personalities and you need to make sure you can find a balance among them all," she said. "You need to be willing to call people out when they aren't doing their job and you have to make the right decisions for the team, even though it might not be the popular decision."
A recent sit-down him the co-captain revealed some interesting answers, which includes a first-time pick for "worst to travel with". Also, currently featured on La Salle's main athletic homepage (GoExplorers.com) is a video interview of Kenney from preseason.
Q&A:
Why did you choose La Salle?
When I came to visit, I liked the girls right away. Also, Paul and the other coaches reminded me of my high school coach, really down to earth, so that was a main reason.
What is your greatest soccer memory (HS/Club/La Salle)?
There really isn't one memory; it is just my entire career. It's playing with my club team (Washington Rockets), going to tournaments, we have become best friends and that's something that won't change.
Do you do anything special to prepare for a game/how do you prepare for a game?
All the juniors get together and we juggle (in a circle with one soccer ball). We try to break our record and if we do, we will have a great game.
Who is your role model/inspiration?
It's probably my oldest sister Meredith. She had a dream to go to Notre Dame and everyone told her that it wouldn't happen. However, she was accepted and went as an undergrad and right now she is in med school at PCOM.
What is the best thing and worst thing about being a student athlete?
The best thing is all the friendships that you make on the team and having to go through all the same things together makes it easier.
The worst is that it consumes a lot of your time and having to miss classes when you have games or are travelling.
If you weren't playing soccer, where and what would you be doing?
I wouldn't be at practice. I would probably be sleeping, eating and probably weighing 200 pounds.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My house this year. We've had some good times.
Teammates:
Funniest - Alex Conley
Serious - Melanie Gamble
Smartest on the field - Becky McGuigan
Smartest in the classroom - Kim Voorhees
Hardest worker - Kierstyn Mabey
Best dressed - Morgan Golden
Worst to travel with - Adam Edwards (the athletic trainer)
Knowing the freshmen: (new questions, goes 2-for-9)
Which two freshmen's favorite Halloween costume was the Little Mermaid?
Paige Troutman (X) and Lindsay Garbowski (X)
Which two freshmen have been to England? Dani Allizzo (X) and Erin Brennan
Which two freshmen have mothers who are teachers? Dana O'Brien (X) and Jess Hopton
Whose favorite sport (besides soccer) is beach volleyball? Amanda Komarnicki (X)
Whose favorite movie is Half Nelson? Kierstyn Mabey (X)
Which freshman broke her thumb riding her dirt bike into her house in fifth grade? Leigh Gray (X)
Quick questions:
TV show you can't miss? Gossip Girl
Reality show you'd like to be on? MXC
Super power you'd like to have? Magical Powers
Possession you can't live without? Cell Phone
What did you want to be when you grew up? Dolphin Trainer
What is/was your favorite cartoon? Winnie the Pooh
Who did you have your first celebrity crush on? Justin Timberlake
What is your favorite meal? Chicken Fingers and Fries
What is your favorite movie? Little Rascals
What is the website you visit the most? facebook
Who are the three people you would have dinner with? Becky McGuigan, Lauren Barker, and Heather Steadman
Your choice:
Ice cream - Chocolate or Vanilla
Vacation Spot - Beach or Mountains
Friends - High school or college
Music - Rock, Rap, or country
Tv - Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, or Gossip Girl
Campus Food - Union, B&G, or Tree Tops
Uniforms - White, Blue, or Gold
Games - Day or Night; Home or Away
Actor - Matthew McConaughey, Mark Wahlberg, or Brad Pitt
Comedian - Seth Grogan, Dave Chappelle, or Steve Carell
