Alaya Mack '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Alaya S. Mack, I am 17 years old and I play 3 sports, soccer, volleyball and basketball. I have played varsity on all three, and have continued to remain on the honor roll. In this fast paced age of social media and social scrutiny, it is often difficult for many to find a path. But not for me. I come from a unique set of circumstances where my mother, "My Shero" a single mother who adopted 5 additional kids along with my two biological siblings, provided a powerful message and loving home that simply stated, "We need to make sacrifices to achieve our ambitions." Witnessing my mother work so hard in law enforcement to make ends meet, encouraged me to work hard so that one day I could be a provider, and make her proud. I was encouraged by my mother early to explore ways align my strengths with my passion which ultimately changed my circumstances. I learned that my personal motivation in my opinion comes from within, no one can tell me how to use it,(like no one told had to tell Picasso how to be creative). Whether it is pushing harder in practice or putting in those extra hours of studying at the library, being a student athlete is a choice. I also realize that none of this could accomplished on my own. I have had the opportunity to learn each game from great coaches. "Coach Ed" pushed me to be better. He was aware of my home circumstances, and would often take me and my teammates to dinner to give our parents a financial break. When it comes to academic future, I plan to pursue a career as a (sport) physical therapist working specifically with college and professional athletes; I see it as a calling that comes naturally! So what does it mean for me moving forward? It means that I must continually recognize the things I can directly influence, my actions, attitude, and decisions to do my best to make the influence positive! Supporting one another, continuing to make ourselves available,and by doing everything that we are capable of individually, and collectively will ensure a positive outcome, and make us "all" winners! 

"Thanks, Mom"