A sophomore in the classroom but a redshirt freshman on the field is lacrosse midfielder and defender Alyssa Angelo. Coming from Atlanta, GA, Angelo never considered herself a homebody, so moving four and a half hours away to attend Winthrop was an easy decision.
“Going out of state was something I always considered if it were the right school and Winthrop happened to be that place. It felt like home and still isn’t too far away from home,” Angelo said.
Throughout high school Angelo participated in softball and basketball as well, but her growing love for lacrosse and the fact that she always wanted to be a collegiate athlete helped lead her to the Winthrop field.
“I still played softball and basketball for my high school and they made me a better lacrosse player and all around athlete. One word I’d use to describe myself on the field is ‘driven.’ I try to work very hard not only to improve my own skill but help my teammates get better as well,” Angelo said.
On Valentine’s Day the Eagles began their 2021 season with a home game against Presbyterian, where Winthrop dominated the field, winning 19-6.
“It was the best feeling to be back out on the field with the team. Everyone has been so dedicated and committed to get back to the point of playing and it was just a good feeling all around,” Angelo said.
As the leading scorer of that first game with four goals, Angelo humbly accredits her success to her teammates.
“That is more a testament to my teammates helping me get open and seeing the feeds, as well as to our defense for getting the ball back and allowing our offense to work. It was so cool to see so many people score that game, especially the freshmen,” Angelo said.
The Eagles returned to the field to compete against Coastal Carolina in the second home game of the season on Feb. 20, but the close match sadly ended in the Chanticleer’s favor with a final score of 12-9.
“I love how well the team works together for a common goal. I’m excited to see where that takes us and I’m just excited to win some games and play lacrosse,” Angelo said.
Angelo scored a single goal in that match, but she is not letting the loss slow her roll. She often looks to her favorite Bible verse, Luke 12:48, for inspiration.
“It says ‘to whom much is given much will be required.’ I love this [verse] because I have been so blessed and fortunate to be given a talent that has brought so much more to me than I could ever ask and it reminds me to do whatever I can to give back to other people and benefit them in any way while also glorifying God and giving back to Him,” Angelo said.
Off the field Angelo can be found making social media content for her team, as well as for Coker University and occasionally Wake Forest University.
“I’m pretty passionate about it and I’m trying to build a brand. I have a portfolio account on Instagram @aangelomedia. I love seeing how media affects players on the team and their confidence and just making them feel special and recognized,” Angelo said.
With numerous games on the schedule ahead, Angelo is thrilled to have a full season on the field.
“A goal I have for myself is to play it to the best of my ability with everything I [have] and just be the best teammate I can be for everybody else on and off the field,” she said.
Angelo and the Eagles take the field next against Mercer at home on Feb. 27th.
Photo by Olivia Esselman
