Experience Pays Dividends For Manley

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Junior midfielder Alyssa Manley of the Syracuse field hockey team has played all over the world in her playing career. Her experience on and off the pitch has shaped who she is as a player today.

"I went to Holland my junior year of high school," said Manley. "It was really cool being able to go there and see a different culture, how different people play in their areas, and what their club experience is like over there."

The experience of playing across the globe has certainly aided Manley in her time at Syracuse. The Lititz, Pa. native made an immediate impact her freshman season, playing in all 22 contests and helping the program to its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament semifinals.

"I think it definitely gives me a lot more experience and more confidence playing at such a high level over the summer then coming here," added Manley. "It definitely helps a lot."

Following her successful freshman campaign, Manley was invited to try out again for the United States national team. Despite her solid 2012 season, Manley was cut from the team and did not set out for more foreign adventures.

"I didn't obviously like that I got cut," commented Manley. "I wanted to work really hard and prove myself to everyone, and to myself, that I was capable of doing it and worked really hard."

Manley took time off from the game in the summer of 2013. She credits that time for allowing her to refocus on the game and her goals.

"I took a bit of a break that summer with field hockey and didn't do much," stated Manley. "That definitely helped. It gave me time to refocus on my goals for the future and here at Syracuse. It helped a lot."

"It was just a matter of when she got cut, bringing her back to Syracuse and telling her that it was okay and asking her what her goals were," head coach Ange Bradley said. "If she didn't want to play that summer, take the summer off. She wanted to get back at it and that was where she wanted to be. I told her the things we needed to continue to grow."

When the 2013 season began, one could see the dividends. Manley opened the year with a bang, scoring two goals and recording one assist in the season opener against Quinnipiac on Aug. 30. She kept that style of play going for the entirety of the year and reaped the accolades. Following the season, she was named to the All-ACC Second Team, NFHCA All-Mideast Region First Team, and NFCHA All-America Third Team.

"I think Alyssa just needed to get in touch with Alyssa's wants and what it takes to be an elite-level player," stated Bradley. "In the fall, she had a great campaign."

This past summer, Manley was once again invited to the United States junior national camp. Coming off an All-American season and with renewed focus, Manley, along with teammate Jess Jecko, was named to the U21 national team.

"She knows that Syracuse helps her get to the national team," added Bradley. "She knows when she is with that national squad that she can help Syracuse be better."

Now a junior with the Syracuse field hockey team, Manley is using her experience to impact her fellow Orange. Manley has emerged as one of the leaders on the young SU roster.

"It was definitely weird in preseason when the season first started, only having three people who were a class above me," said Manley. "It was a bit of an adjustment, but I think I have moved into the leadership role pretty smoothly."

"She plays within herself, plays with confidence, and poise," commented Bradley. "She is a smart hockey player and feels the game. She has been very, very consistent in her performance this season."

Manley looks to continue to lead the Orange as it take on No. 3 Virginia in its next contest. It marks the squad's third-straight game against a nationally ranked opponent. Game time is set for 6 p.m. in Charlottesville, Va.

Syracuse University Athletics

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