SMU Senior Allie Thornton reflects ? SMU Stories

SMU Athletics has been highlighting their senior athletics in a series of post called SMU

Stories. Recently they did one on Allie Thornton, a former standout for Kennedale High School as an athlete and as a scholar. {{more: continue …}}

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Thornton by her senior year had been named the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Player of the Year for 4A-5A-6A; TGCA All-Academic Team; Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCO) 4A State All-Tournament; TASCO All-Star Game; Dallas Sports News All Region Team; DFWvarsity Super Team; and, was a MVP All-District player each year that she was in high school. On top of that, Thornton graduated with honors in the KHS Class of 2016.

As I begin my final year at SMU, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on my college soccer journey.

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No matter if I think about my first goal or scoring the game-winner against Cincinnati in the conference championships my sophomore year, I can definitely say that my time at SMU has been a truly great experience. And hey, I?m not done yet.

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But of course, I couldn?t have gotten here by myself. It took some very special people in my life to help me get to this place. Without them, I would have never been able to be a Mustang soccer player. Two people that deserve special recognition are my parents.

Family First …

Its clich?, but my parents have always been my role models. They?re both really competitive which was definitely passed onto me.

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My mom is very strong and independent, and I really admire that about her. My dad is definitely the strong silent type. He?s very genuine and is so caring and always puts his family before himself. Literally, he would do anything for us. Both of my parents have the biggest hearts of anyone I?ve ever met.

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Throughout my life of being an athlete, whether it be in junior high, high school, or college, my parents have remained my biggest fans. From cross country to volleyball, and every crazy sport in-between (juggling club), they?ve continued to support me. They?ve sacrificed so much so that I can play the sports I love.

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My dad has driven me across the country for games and tournaments, making so many memories that I?ll cherish forever. The amount of money they?ve spent on club fees, equipment, and travel has to be crazy, but they would do it again in a heartbeat, I?m sure.

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They?d do anything to set me up to have the best chance at success. And the best part about it?! They never miss a game. No matter where or when it is, they are always there.

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Just to give you an example of my parents? dedication. My dad even insisted on driving me to practices when I was a senior in high school and perfectly capable of driving myself. He just loved being there. They both do! I?m sure my dad would come to my college practices too if he could! During games, I used to look over to the sidelines at my mom and she?d always smile at me and give me a thumbs up. I loved that! I have the best parents in the world. I wouldn?t be where I am today without them!

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Being a Mustang …

When it was time to select a college, my parents definitely played a part as well. While this was obviously not the only factor, living only 45 minutes away from campus, making it easy for me to go home, was a very nice bonus to SMU.

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But frankly, I simply loved SMU right off the bat. Everyone was so genuine. The coaches, aside from being phenomenal coaches, seemed like really good people. Something that was very important to me.

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The girls were all very real and welcoming, as well. I never felt like I was a bother to them, even when I was just a recruit. I couldn?t be happier here and am so grateful for having such a positive experience.

Read more @ SMU:?Her Story ? Allie Thorton