Radnor goalie Alexa Solomon is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The junior goalie was a standout in the PIAA District One Girls Lacrosse Tournament, helping the No. 9 seed Red Raiders knock off the Nos. 1, 3, 6 and 8 seeds and leading the defense according to Radnor head coach Brooke Fritz. Her save percentage was .550 in the five district playoff games, and she caused five turnovers and scooped up eight ground balls. She also received All-Central League recognition for her fine goalie play this season.

Q: Is there one save that you made during the district tournament that stands out in your memory? Can you describe how the play unfolded, and your role in it?

A: There is one specific play that really has stood out during the district tournament, which was during the Garnet Valley game. There was little time left in the game, and our captain, Katie Quinn, had just scored a goal to put us ahead 7-6. Garnet gained possession, and when they came down, I was able to read the player’s shot and save it. The ball was deflected to outside the goal circle, and I went out to pick up the ground ball with a defender on my back. As I rolled the ball into the back of the net to settle things down, the ref called me for stepping on the circle with the ball (though I really didn’t think I did). As a result, the other team gained possession with a free position on the hash mark on the goal line extended, with no one around her. With only seconds of the game remaining, I knew I had to make the save in order to close out the game and come up with the win. Fortunately, this is exactly what happened, and I was just thrilled that I could support my team.

Q: As a goalie, does on-field communication with the defense play a big role in your success, particularly during the district tournament? Can you give us an example?

A: As I also play goalie for Radnor’s soccer team, I have learned that communication is vital to any team’s success. My position in both sports allows me to see the entire field, so I feel as though I take on a huge leadership role in directing my teammates in and out of play. A specific example is in our zone defense, I need to not only call out the position of the ball, but also the cutters that are running through the eight. This communication has allowed us to cover many of the other team’s offensive players, and ultimately enabled us to be successful in our season.

Q: You also caused five turnovers and scooped up eight ground balls during the district tournament. What do you think was the biggest key to your overall success in the district tournament?

A: I think the biggest key has been my out-of-crease plays. While making saves is extremely important to being a goalie, there is nothing better than coming out and intercepting a pass or picking up a ground ball to cause a turnover. Lacrosse is all about possession, and being active out of the crease is like adding an additional player into the defense to gain control of the ball.

Q: What is your most vivid memory of the district tournament? Can you share it with us?

A: My most vivid memory of the district tournament was definitely our win against undefeated and top-ranked Conestoga who has always been Radnor’s biggest rival in all sports. That game was absolutely exciting, especially because we won by more than one goal. It was a huge confidence booster for our team and definitely helped us in our fight for the district title.

 

Q: Have you always played goalie? What sparked your original interest in the goalie position?

A: I played attack through sixth grade, and in seventh my Radnor travel team needed a goalie, so I would play half goalie and half attack. However, in eighth grade I had to make a decision to play one of those positions full-time. Unsure of what to do, I met with a local goalie with whom I’d been doing goalie workouts with (Steph Ellis, former All-American at Radnor and Penn State). She mentored me and showed me the ropes to eventually help me make the decision to be a full-time goalie. I have never looked back since.

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game as a goalie? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

A: I think my athleticism is the strongest aspect of my game. Like I said before, I highly value coming out of the crease and being the extra defender. Something I am trying to improve is holding my post on crease rolls.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: Our team focuses a lot on improving our weaknesses and capitalizing on our strengths, so we make goals before every game. This is something I highly value and always think about prior to a game. Throughout the day of a game, I am always thinking of strategies that I can use in order to achieve my goals.

Q: Who have been your biggest mentors as a goalie, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?

A: I have had three great goalie instructors – Steph Ellis, Kim Campbell, and Katie Geary. They have all brought different aspects to my game. Also, my high school and club coach, Brooke Fritz, really knows how to motivate my teammates and me beyond our skill levels. This year, we were not expected to go far, but she taught us how to play from our hearts and work together as a cohesive unit. Finally, my father has guided me throughout my whole lacrosse (and sports) life, and continues to be my biggest fan.

Q: What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: I am interested in studying business.

Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Radnor? What sparked your interest in each of these activities?

A: I participate in a number of extracurricular activities in and outside of school. Since freshman year, I have played for Radnor’s lacrosse, basketball, and soccer teams. I am also in the school play, Speak Up! Leadership Committee Member, and a member of Model Congress. All of these make me feel more connected to different parts of the school and give me exposure to things other than sports. Outside of school, I am very involved in the Friendship Circle, an incredible organization that connects teens to youth with special needs, and have worked with them for about five years.

Fun facts – Alexa Solomon

Favorite book: A Fine Balance.

Favorite author: F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Favorite TV show: The O.C.

Favorite movie: The Blind Side.

Favorite athlete: Devon Willis (one of the world’s best goalies and the first female player in MLL history)

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Drake’s Views album.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: California.

Favorite pre-game meal: Wawa hoagie, Kind Bar.

Favorite color: Light blue.

Person I most admire: “There are two people I admire. The first is Katie Sampson. I have been going to the Katie Samson festival for years, and have even played a few times in it. Her story is very motivational and inspires me everyday to play the game I love. She is a great example of perseverance and dedication that has led to the festival’s success and her ongoing legacy. Another person I admire is my grandfather, Buddy.  He has not only been the team’s good luck charm this season (we have won every game he has attended this season – especially playoff games), but is also the smartest and kindest man I know, and I just hope I can be as successful and compassionate as he is.”

Born: Sept. 30, 1998 in Providence, RI.

Family members: Karen (mom), Dave (dad), Jud (brother), Josie (sister), and Jet (dog).

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)