Camryn Ala named Class D soccer player of the year

Camryn Ala remembered that before she could speak in full sentences her first word was “ball”.

FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine – Camryn Ala remembered that before she could speak in full sentences her first word was “ball”.

Fate has a funny way of foreshadowing a quick lead of a few years and Ala has become one of Fort Fairfield’s all-round athletes, excelling in softball, basketball and soccer.

Ala of Fort Fairfield was chosen as the Class D Player of the Year by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, an honor that, despite her abilities, she never expected to receive.

“It was so surreal,” Ala said. “I was shocked, but I was so honored and super excited to win it.”

Ala was not only named the Class D Player of the Year, but she was also named the All-Aroostook and was named to the North Regional and National Class D teams.

Ala was involved in track and field long before she could walk, and carried this passion for the sport with her until high school.

“Before I could walk, my dad would take my hands and help me dribble the ball in the living room instead of walking,” Ala said.

Ala is also an all-season athlete. She plays basketball in the winter and has been a playmaker for three years. In the spring, she plays softball and has been a starter on the team for the past three years as well as a pitcher and central player. She earned her place as an All-Aroostook athlete in all three sports.

“Camryn has been a key player in our program for the past four years,” said Fort Fairfield girls’ varsity football coach (and Camryn’s dad) John Ala. “She’s a very calm player with the ball at her feet, looking to connect assists in a possession style game. Camryn has been captain in her junior and senior years, she tends to be a person who sets an example. . She devoted a lot of time to improving herself during the offseason, which allowed her to become a well-rounded player. ”

Looking to the future, Ala has his sights set on the University of Maine at Presque Isle for his college education and plans to play football there as well. For inspiration and thanks, Ala turns to her dad and her trainer.

“My dad is the one who taught me the game since I was younger,” Ala said. “He motivates me every time I touch a soccer ball, and that’s really the main reason I won this award, I couldn’t have done it without him. I also want to thank my mother and my brother. It also motivates me because it catches up with me.