(Editor's Note: This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists. Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.
R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase. It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)
Written by Collin Maclang, Daniel Marcum, Michael Your
Alicia Donley, a fifth-year student from Pickerington, Ohio, is a transfer student from the University of Tennessee. Alicia started her soccer career with the University of Tennessee her first two years of college and then transferred to the University of Dayton where she has spent the last three years. On top of that, she plans to continue her education as a communication and a marketing minor, by enrolling in graduate school and plans to graduate in May 2024.
Alicia attended Pickerington North High School where she was selected to play in the 2018 TopDrawerSoccer High School All-America Game. Becoming a two-time United Soccer Coaches High School All-American, three-time First Team All-State for Pickerington North High School (2015, 17, 18), a back-to-back Central District and OCC Ohio Division Player of the Year (2017-18) and was named Super 12 Team Caption (2018-2019). She also lettered in swimming and track at Pickerington North High School, capturing two state titles in the 2x200 freestyle relay as well as a state championship in the 4x400m relay and was selected as an All-American four different times in swimming. In her collegiate athletic career, she was named a 2021-22 SAAC representative, 2021-22 and 2022-23 Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll, All-Conference Second Team, Atlantic 10 All-Preseason team as a defender, and earned a spot on the All-Atlantic 10 First Team.
Alicia had played forward for Tennessee, but upon transferring to Dayton, she became an outside back. Alicia quickly grew in love with the UD community. In her first season as a Flyer, she scored two goals against George Mason, her most influential moment in her career. Being shown the overwhelming support and encouragement of Dayton's embrace, she knew that she had picked the right school. The University of Dayton was a much healthier environment for Alicia as she believes UD is where she is meant to be.
For Alicia, her Catholic faith is the most important value in her life. That is why she is proud to call the University of Dayton her new home. "I feel at home because of my faith." Praying before games is just one of the small things that this team culture fosters.
While it has not been the most straightforward journey, Alicia lives by the motto "Be a light, and never take anything for granted." This gave her the will to forge her own path.
Alicia Donley is a person who leads by example her Flyers women's soccer team. Whether it's on or off the field, Alicia is known to be the most loyal. Her impact stretches not just on the field to her teammates, but also her peers and in the classroom.
Q. What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A. "It represents something bigger than myself, meaning if a little girl is watching me, I want her to know that she can tell her that she worked hard to be where she is today."
Q. What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A. "When I was shown the overwhelming support and encouragement of Dayton, I knew that I had picked the right school."
Q. How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A. "Every day I go to practice and make mistakes, but I'm okay and I know I am, because I have the athletic and mental ability to overcome these obstacles."
Q. Balancing sports and academics can be challenging. How do you organize your time effectively to ensure success in both areas?
A. "One thing about Dayton is that they care a lot more about academics than Tennessee… I've always had to balance soccer and academics, I use study halls that my team provides and have always stayed in contact with my professors. I do about four hours of homework a night, so for me, it's trying to find time to do that work, while also enjoying it."
Q. What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
"Although the season is closing, I've enjoyed this unique opportunity and am grateful to God, the University, athletics, family, coaches, peers and teammates… there is sadness around and you never realize how lucky you really are until you realize that it's gone."
Edit: Alicia wishes to continue her soccer career after her time at Dayton. This week, she has a trial for the USL Women's Super League, in which she can bring her light to her next team.
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