Star soccer, basketball, and softball player Alexis Valenta just committed to Penn State Harrisburg for soccer. The Division III women’s soccer team, the Nittany Lions, is undefeated so far this season. Their record stands at an impressive 16 wins, 3 losses, and 4 ties as of December 12. Alexis lives up to the Nittany Lions’ prestige given her own impressive record with the Highland Park girls’ soccer team. Due to her outstanding performance as a goalie, Alexis received an All-Conference Honors Award for two years in a row. This distinction is granted to the top student-athlete of each team, as determined by opposing teams’ coaches.
Alexis’ success on the Highland Park field prompted her interest in pursuing the sport beyond graduation. She invited college soccer coaches to watch her games with the hope that one would recruit her. Eventually, one coach asked Alexis to visit Penn State Harrisburg. Alexis accepted the coach’s subsequent offer for a roster spot, applied to the college, and was admitted.
Alexis’ teammates are thrilled at her acceptance and have a multitude of positive things to say, not just about her skills on the field but her shining personality. Jahan Mladnick remembers singing “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar with Alexis on the bus to an away game and laughing together. Emma Shannon describes Alexis as fearless, collected, and funny. Yaya Hang shares, “My favorite memory of Alexis is from going to Cali Lloyd’s farewell game sophomore year…It was always really fun because Alexis is hella funny and enjoyable to be around.” Cora Kaper-Dale describes Alexis as a role model, saying, “She is a really big part of the team personality and player-wise. We’re really going to miss her next season.”
Alexis has made a significant impact on Highland Park, both in terms of athletics and community sprit. She believes that if you want something, you should keep trying and you will get it eventually. Most importantly, however, Alexis urges the local community, “Come support girls’ sports teams.”
Original: Alexis Valenta just committed to Penn State for soccer. Penn State comes in as the top team in the committee rankings. Penn State Women’s Soccer Team, The Nittany Lions, are undefeated this season so far, with a record of 11-0-4. Against one of the nation's toughest schedules, it's fair to say that being picked for their team is an honor.
Alexis plays for a club team and would email coaches to come watch her games. Eventually, one of them reached out to her and invited her to come for an official visit at Penn State. After talking to the coach,es they offered her a roster spot. She took it, applied, and made it in. Alexis believes that if you want something, you should keep trying, and you'll get it eventually.
Alexis’ teammates are thrilled at her acceptance and only have positive things to say, not just about her skills on the field but her shining personality. Jahan Mladnick remembers singing “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar with Alexis on the bus and laughing together. Emma Shannon describes her as fearless, collected, and funny. Yaya Hang shares, “My favorite memory of Alexis is from going to Cali Lloyd’s farewell game sophomore year and getting super close to Carli Lloyd. We went to a good amount of games together that season…It was always really fun because Alexis is hella funny and enjoyable to be around.” She also remembers “freshman year when she scored a penalty kick against someone and then won the game.. We were all so happy and hugging.” Cora Kaper-Dale describes Alexis as a role model: “She is a really big part of the team personality, and player-wise, we’re really gonna miss her next season.” Cora also remembers Alexis being given an All-Conference Honors Award two years in a row. An honor is given to a student-athlete chosen as the top athlete on their team by the opposing coaches. If Alexis could say anything to HPHS it would be, “Come support girls’ sports teams.”