By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald
Allison Spier embodies all the best qualities of a skilled soccer player, especially one who plays defense.
The Los Fresnos standout is The Brownsville Herald’s Girls Soccer All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year.
As a central defender and team captain for the Lady Falcons, the steady play of Spier, a junior and three-year starter, was an important factor in the team capturing another District 32-6A championship in 2018.
The Lady Falcons went 12-2 in 32-6A and finished 21-9 overall.
While Spier grew up kicking a soccer ball and has spent quite a bit of time playing on youth teams and club squads, she cherishes her time with the Lady Falcons.
“ This school is great, the coaches are amazing and it’s just a great environment to be in,” said Spier, who this season was voted MVP of 32-6A. “Honestly, I’ve had everything here that can help me thrive (as a student and soccer player).
“ (On the field) I always think of my team and speak to them to let them know what’s going on,” she added. “I feel my job back there (in the center of the defense) is to be a leader, direct them in what we want to do and just to keep going. I want to push them to do their best every game.”
Lady Falcons coach Patricia A. Hernandez said Spier is a vital part of the team’s success.
“ Allison has been an exemplary leader, even as a freshman and sophomore,” Hernandez said. “She’s brought a presence to the field and a sense of leadership. Her work ethic is by far one of the best I’ve seen in a high school athlete. She’s very dedicated and committed, and the girls rally around that. They like and enjoy being her teammate because she brings such positivity to the team.
“ Allison has a great vision of the field,” the Lady Falcons coach added. “She can anticipate what’s going to happen next, and that’s her greatest asset. There were a lot of plays in the back this year where she saved us from having our opponent score because she was able to anticipate. That’s why we have her back there (directing things). She’s our fastest player in the back. Once she gets the ball, she knows how to distribute it (and start a counter attack). She’s very good in communicating and she knows how to control the rest of the defense. She has a purpose to every pass she makes and she’s earned her teammates’ trust.”
With Spier returning for her senior season next school year, the Lady Falcons, who return other talented players as well, have a bright future.
“ Allison has been a joy to coach over the last three years,” Hernandez said. “Not once have I heard her question (a coach’s request). She’s the first one to step up and lead her team. I’m very excited for what she will bring to the field for us next year.”
Spier has already committed to play soccer for Adelphi University of Garden City, New York. She plans to sign an athletic scholarship agreement with the school sometime as a senior.
Winning All-Metro and all-district honors is just one step in the right direction for her standout soccer career.
“ It’s really amazing (to receive these awards),” Spier said. “I’ve worked for a long time and I’m glad to see my work is finally paying off. In all my years of high school, my goal has been to play in college. (Since I’m committed to Adelphi) now my goal is to prepare as much as I can to play in college. With the girls here, I know I’ll be challenged in every game and every practice. I feel it will be a good step.
“ I want to thank my parents, my family and my high school and club coaches,” she added. “I would just encourage anyone who has a dream to follow it.”
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess