by Bud Hart Allyson Osborne doesn't look like a field hockey goalie. The Solanco senior, who stands no more than 5’-3” and weighs 125 pounds tops, impressed Anna Myer, head coach at Hartwick College. So much so that Osborne may be the incoming freshman goalkeeper Meyer needs. As a result the Solanco senior received a substantial grant to both guard the goal and matriculate in a subject yet to be determined. Osborne was contacted by Meyer following the 2016 season and after visiting the Oneonta, N.Y., college, signed up in an early admission program most colleges and universities offer. What appeals to Meyer is Osborne’s intelligence, quickness and positive attitude, the same qualities first year Solanco head coach, Whitney Hawkins, admired. “Allyson is quick in her reactions and has great eye-to-hand coordination,” said Hawkins. “She displays fast recovery from ground to standing position.” Hawkins praised Osborne for her positive attitude. “Allyson does not give in or hang her head after goals scored and continues to persevere to make as many saves as possible,” added Hawkins. Osborne saved 116 shots on 146 taken for a 79.4% save ratio.
Osborne lives in Little Britain Township with parents David and Betty Osborne. She began her field hockey career while attending seventh grade at Swift Middle School. Osborne entered the program late. Most young people begin chasing the ball and recording saves much earlier at an elementary level. Not so for Osborne who worked hard to perfect her talents and skills at a much later stage in her junior high and high school career. She impressed former Golden Mule head field hockey coach, Dawn Kreider. “She was the only goalie in my career who wanted to run,” said Kreider. “I needed to build my endurance,” explained Osborne, who also pole vaults for Coach Ivan Haines. Osborne has earned three varsity letters in field hockey, was a 2015 and 2016 L-L League second team all-star and an All-State Academic Award winner. What also impressed Hawkins about Osborne was her commitment and work ethic. “She is a tireless worker and rarely complains,” said Hawkins. Osborne credits Hannah Pollock, another Mule goalkeeper, in honing Osborne’s skills and determination. “She really inspired me to do my best as we battled for the starting position,” said Osborne. “She really pushed me hard.” Coach Hawkins said there was always a friendly rivalry and the two handled it well. Both Kreider and Hawkins are excited as Osborne’s success has been a positive inspiration for underclasspersons. “She is definitely a role model,” said Kreider. “She has set an example for the girls and they’re seeing they have a chance to move on as well,” added Hawkins. Hartwick College is a Division III school established in 1797, the first Lutheran seminary in America. It became an independent school in 1968, three years after Hartwick introduced field hockey to their student body. They enroll near 1,500 undergraduates. Hartwick is a member of the Empire 8 Conference. Meyer, who has been the head coach for over 25 years, owns 304 victories. Last season the Hawks went 13-5. Osborne claims that her starting as the 2017 goalie for the Hawks isn’t out of the realm of possibility. “Coach says two goalies are graduating and I have a chance to take over,” said Osborne. Osborne is the most recent Golden Mule to move onto the next level from out of the Solanco field hockey program. Summer Pierson (2014) is a member of the LaSalle University squad and Lindsey Bechtold (2015) is the latest Golden Mule to enter the college ranks, now playing for Arcadia University. Comments are closed.
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