Alyse Then is the freshman breaking SUNY Old Westbury records. Then has broken the record for most soccer goals as a freshman, a record that was previously set by Cassie Esposito at 17 goals in 2008. Then has managed to score 24 goals this season, so far.
Then has been very passionate about soccer since she was seven -years-old, which is when she started playing the sport. “My motivation is knowing I’m doing something my mother never could, which is getting a proper education as well as chasing my dreams of becoming a professional soccer player,” said Then. She says that her favorite part about playing soccer is knowing that she has to push herself to be better than her rival. “If I’m not putting the work in, then I’m not doing my job. I love having that urge to achieve success,” she explained.
She has had an incredible season so far, leading the Skyline Conference in shots, shots on goal, goals, and points. She is also second in assists, which Old Westbury’s Mia Almonte is first in. Then says that she feels great about her season, and her accomplishments have been a big goal of hers. The people who motivate her the most are her parents, who came from the Dominican Republic to give her a better life, and her older brother Ansel Then. “He is the only person to this day who makes sure I am getting to where I truly need to be,” Then expressed. “He makes sure I am pushed past my limit. He inspires me to become the best athlete and person I can be.”
Then wishes for everyone to know that: “Just because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost. I will give a reason for everybody to remember my name. So don’t forget about me.”
