VESTAL, N.Y. - Freshman midfielder
Alex Marsteller may be diminutive in size at 5-foot-2 but she is quickly showing a big-sized game at center midfield. In this Q&A, Marsteller shares some of her background and soccer experience and why she chose Binghamton.
When did you first start participating in soccer?
I started playing soccer at the age of 3. My first memory of soccer was playing with my neighbor named David at micro-soccer.
What do you love most about soccer?
I love the overall competitive atmosphere, playing with my teammates and striving to obtain goals as a team. Also, the family culture and work ethic to be the best version of ourselves.
What is your favorite memory on the soccer field?
My favorite memory on the soccer field was beating Keystone FC in the State Cup finals my sophomore year.
What are your greatest individual and team accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishment was winning the Lehigh Valley Live Girls Soccer Player of the Year and scoring the game winning goal my sophomore year to win the Eastern Penn Conference Championship. My greatest team accomplishment was making it to the Eastern Regional Championship for FC Revolution and making it to the semifinals in the PIAA state tournament for the first time in my coach's coaching career. Also, beating Keystone FC in the State Cup final.
Any special reason you chose your jersey number?
I chose the number 16 because it was the closest to number 15 which is what I wore throughout my childhood. My aunt who I admire immensely wore 15 during her soccer career so I decided to pick that number.
Who are your idols/mentors?
My parents, cousin Rachel and aunt Amanda. My parents have had the greatest impact on my life because they have raised me, guided me and helped/allowed me to make decisions that have resulted in where I am today. Through any situation in life, they always support me 100% and push me to be the best version of myself in all aspects of my life.
Most people don't know this about me …
I swam competitively when I was younger.
My best non-athletic talent is …
Baking
Any pre game rituals or superstitions?
I wear the same shin guard sleeves and hair tie for every game.
How many siblings do you have and where are you in the birth order?
I have two siblings and I am in the middle. I have a sister, Dani who is three years younger than me and an older brother, Joey, who is three years older.
Best vacation you've ever taken?
Outer Banks, North Carolina
What were the challenges that COVID presented to you as you finished up your high school senior year?
Learning from home, not being able to participate in school activities, taking tests online, missing out on all of the festivities of most of my senior year and not seeing my friends everyday in school. I was able to overcome some of the challenges by working harder at home to teach myself the material if I was having a hard time understanding and asking for help when needed. Also, using all the resources possible in order to succeed on tests and in class. For the social aspect, I was able to see my friends outside of school and we tried to plan different get-togethers to make up for our missed time. We tried to make the most of our time together and stay positive because it could have been even worse. We knew everyone was going through these times so being there for one another definitely helped.
What has been your mindset as you begin your college career under these unique circumstances?
My mindset is to stay positive and make the most out of every opportunity. Not everything is going to go my way and I may have my failures but my attitude and response to adversity is what will help me grow and adapt during these times.
What are your personal goals for your sport and academics during 2021-22?
My personal goals for academics this year is to receive an A or B in my classes and to be consistent with studying during the week/weekends. My personal goals for soccer this year is to go more out of my comfort zone in aspects of soccer such as physicality and being vocal. Also, to improve those aspects in order to become a better player and overall person.
Why did you choose Binghamton?
I chose Binghamton because of the excellent academic opportunities that are offered, the coaching staff and the great facilities. I believe that Binghamton will help me grow into a better person and soccer player. The overall family atmosphere and competitive nature of the program preached by the coaching staff is something I valued and knew I wanted to be a part of.
What are you most looking forward to as you start your season and classes?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people such as students and teachers during my classes and interacting with other students rather than just my teammates. Also, learning where my classes and study halls are. For practice, I was most looking forward to getting to know my teammates, building relationships with them on and off the field and overall getting back into the competitive nature of soccer but now collegiately. Lastly, believing in the process in order to get the results we are looking for throughout the season and into the postseason.Â
