NWO Soccer Weekly (Girls') Player of the Year - Abby Allen

Courtesy of Toledo Blade

Steady, pacey and just a flat out goal scorer - AW's Abby Allen a cut above many in NW Ohio and the State

Toledo - Not many student-athletes can say they have done what Abby Allen has been able to do in her high school soccer career - help propel the Generals to three straight district finals (2 district titles and a regional final appearance), leave the program as the all-time goal scorer, leader in assist (both career and season) and be a first-team All-Ohioan, but when talking to this young lady she will not talk about herself but more about the team.  "It has been great to play in this program and get such a great experience like the one I have had" said Allen. "We are such a family and we have deserved everything that we have accomplished", with that being said the Generals have become one of the top girls' programs not only in northwest Ohio but in the state. Allen's ability and skill to score goals have taken this program to new heights, coming in as a freshman Allen set the tone early with her abilities and to be a danger for any team's defending four or goalkeeper. This fall, Allen finished with 26 goals and in a match back in Findlay on September 29th she finished with two goals in that match and passed her older sister and former northwest Ohio talent Kate to become the Generals' all-time leader in goals.  With all of the talent that graduated this past summer, most felt that Allen would have to take on more responsibilities but she would have to disagree with that statement - "I knew it would be different this year but we worked hard and as the season went on and our chemistry got a lot better and it really came together for us. Coach Williams always preaches family and working for each other and it was just an awesome year I could not be more proud of our team" said Allen.  When watching a player of Abby Allen's caliber you hate to see them graduate and move on because it is such a great thing to see when you have a chance to watch her - next fall Abby will continue her soccer career at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana in the Big Ten...like her sister Kate did at Northwestern University. 

Courtesy of Toledo Blade

When asking her about the next level, she felt very confident and ready to adjust her game at the collegiate level - "It will be a tough adjustment but I am looking forward to the challenge. I have met many of the girls and they are all very nice and looking forward to all of the new players coming in" said Allen.  Abby is a two-way athlete; she is a starter on the Anthony Wayne girls' basketball team and helped them immensely last winter and with balancing athletics and other various extracurricular activities Allen ranks as the top student in her graduating class of 2015 at Anthony Wayne with a GPA of 4.8 - Allen sets the bar for many who are coming into the AW program or regulars who are currently still active in the program. "It is important leaving a great mark with being the leading scorer in the program but realistically it is leaving a positive experience so young players can achieve their goals both personal and as a team. I remember that when I was a freshman and being so excited for the years to come".  This fall Allen has collected many accolades including being named first team All-NLL, All-District and All-Ohio; while being named the unanimous choice for the NLL and District Player of the Year and now the first-ever NWO Soccer Weekly Girls' Player of the Year. Anthony Wayne head coach Lori Williams had nothing but great words to say about the senior leader; "In my opinion the sky is the limit for a player like Abby. She is just so natural in front of goal and has a great tactical sense" said Williams. "To get the attention she was getting in matches [from] opponents and putting up the number of goals and assist that she did is incredible and speaks volumes of the player she has become. She is a not only a great player but a great person and it is a testament to her family and how she has been brought up. She and all of our great seniors will be missed next fall". On behalf of NWO Soccer Weekly we congratulate Abby on her terrific season and receiving such a prestigious award - we wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors both academically and athletically.

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