The Accents Player of the Week recognizes a distinguished athlete within our school community who is a role model on and off the field. This week’s Player of the Week features Sophomore soccer player, Allie Zitell. Soccer is one of IHA’s top sports. They were crowned co-champions of the Non-Public A conference and finished ranked #29 in the state. In 2018, IHA soccer has an 8-4-1 record and is second place in the Big North United conference. Allie, who has made an immediate impact since her freshman year, primarily plays the “number eight position” which is an amalgamation of defensive and attacking midfield.  

Allie found herself utterly passionate about the sport at only eight years old. When Allie told her parents she wanted to play soccer, her father played every soccer DVD for her, so she learned the fundamentals properly. She began playing soccer in the Ramsey Recreational program but later played for Hotspurs FC. Within a year, Allie found herself on an elite travel team that competed year-round. Currently, Allie is a member of the World Class FC U17 ECNL club team.

Allie Zitelli playing with the IHA Blue Eagles! Photo Courtesy of Mike Hamlett Photography

Allie was a member of the Varsity Soccer team when she first stepped foot into the program. In her 2017 season, Allie had 4 goals and 2 assists but her season ended early due to a leg injury. Allie has had a dominant comeback as she is currently leading the team in scoring. She has 10 goals and 2 assists, plus a hat trick against Paramus Catholic. She was on the NJ.com list that featured 90 of the top soccer athletes in the state for each grade level. She was on the selective list back-to-back years as a freshman and sophomore. Allie was asked what Varsity Soccer looked like in the eyes of a freshman. “Playing on the Varsity team as a freshman definitely came with some challenges. High school soccer is a much different style than club soccer is, and I went through a bit of an adjusting period until I felt like I knew how the system worked and became an impact player. The physicality and age difference between my opponents and I was a major factor that contributed to the strength and speed that was required of me. That being said, I believe that having the opportunity to play varsity as a freshman brought my game to the next level, and continues to challenge me and make me a better all-around player.”

Being on a team sport allows forever memories to be made. It demonstrates the closeness of teammates and how they are one big family. Allie recalled her favorite moment from her freshman year of soccer. “An obvious favorite memory of mine from IHA Soccer was winning the State and League Championships last season. It was amazing to see all of our blood sweat and tears come to fruition and earn those titles. However, the smaller moments like attending our annual Sky Blue FC game together, the 27 hours team bonding experience, or pregame memories made in the team room are the ones that stick with me the most.”

    Allie has been a soccer standout for the Blue Eagles and continues to advance her game every single day. We wish Allie the best of luck in the rest of her IHA soccer and club seasons! Go Blue Eagles!

Written By; Brooke Marotti’ 21