Dual Athlete Stands Out - By Justus Thurman

    Alyssa Marsh, a senior at Richland High, could be one of the nicest souls you have come across in a very long time. Always optimistic, caring, and hard-working, Alyssa is the perfect representation of a student-athlete. But she’s not just an ordinary student-athlete like most. Alyssa is the face of two sports here at RHS, with dashing speed off the line in track and field and clutch saves from the goalie spot on the girl’s soccer team. Watching Alyssa on the field and on the track makes you wonder what she couldn't do when it comes to sports. 

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_)

    Alyssa’s soccer journey at Richland High began her freshman year in 2020. Richland’s girl’s soccer team was at a high point in recent years, having won an MCC title and making a deep run in state, placing 3rd. Alyssa was the backup goalie behind Hannah Hagler, who graduated in 2021 following that season. Marsh, after waiting a whole season at the backup position, finally was granted the chance to show what she could do on the field. Her Sophomore year was a season full of improvement from Marsh, immediately leading the team to another MCC title and a playoff win. Although coming off a season full of winning, the incoming Junior Goalkeeper was not satisfied with how far the Bombers had gone in the playoffs. After an off-season full of hard work and determination, Alyssa was ready and prepared to lead her team during the 2022-2023 season. As the days got colder, Alyssa seemed to get better and better. By the end of the season, Alyssa had earned herself a first-team selection as a goalkeeper, as well as leading her team to a third consecutive MCC title. Now, halfway through her senior season, Marsh is searching to complete a 4th MCC championship as her first year as a captain on the team.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_)

    As good as her Soccer accomplishments get, her track performance might be even more impressive. Marsh came out of the gate on fire, earning herself a second-team all-conference slot for the 200-meter race, running a 26.64 as a freshman. Unfortunately, her freshman season for track did not have a postseason because of COVID. But that did not stop Alyssa from getting even faster for her sophomore season. Alyssa rose to the scene just as fast as she ran. It was like the competition blinked and opened their eyes to see Marsh pulling in front of them. She earned herself a first-team all-conference selection in the 200-meter, 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relay. Alyssa played a great part in winning the conference title for girl’s track during the 2022 season. Marsh’s state performance was also one to remember, as she placed 6th in state for the 200-meter race, 5th place for the 4x100-meter race, and 4th place for the 4x200-meter race. Alyssa’s sophomore run was the best to date for her, as her junior season only earned her one first-team placement for the 200 and two second-team placements for 4x100 and 4x200. She placed outside the top 5 for all these events at the state that year as well.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_)

   Alyssa looks forward to her senior seasons in track and in soccer. But one question lingers on the minds of many. How does she do it? How do you balance two sports like this and keep performing at a high level? Luckily, I got the chance to speak to Alyssa, and this is what she had to say.  I was curious as to how she maintained her optimism. “My optimism and good attitude come from God. In sports, you can often get down on yourself easily, but knowing that God loves you and has a plan for you is a great reason to stay positive. This helps me bounce back from getting scored on because I know no matter what, God still loves me. Also, if I get too down on myself, then the rest of the game/season will suffer because of a negative attitude”. As you can see, The star goalkeeper bases her view on sports through religion. 

Photo: Jim Qualheim

    Dual athletes at Richland High are no rarity, as some of Richland’s best players are all dual athletes who shine in their sports. The way these athletes juggle two different sports and their own lives is a fantastic display of dedication and passion. This can also take a toll on an athlete's physical and mental health, which is another point about Alyssa that greatly helps her teams out. Alyssa has managed to stay healthy throughout her whole track and soccer career, as well as keep a good mindset. Alyssa can be seen around the school helping out and being a leader for people who need it. This is precisely what you want to see out of such a great athlete. I spoke to her about how she thinks being a dual athlete helps her succeed in each sport. “Being a dual athlete helps both sports because they’re two very different activities that work different muscles. It helps with preventing injuries, too, since I’m not doing one sport year-round that works the same muscles. As for strategically, sprinting and goalie needs fast reactions, which transfers well to both sports”, Marsh said. 

    As for her senior year for soccer and track, the speedster looks to be dominant but also enjoys and takes in her last year at Richland. The Bomber program for track and soccer are two of the better ones in the MCC, and Marsh expressed enormous gratitude for the opportunities that she was given through Richland High. All eyes will be on her as the year goes on and potential college commitment comes close, and I'm sure Alyssa is taking her time with her decision.