Allison Flynn has always been a star for the Virginia field hockey team, an athlete capable of providing numerous transformations to lead her team to victory. She is ready to fire a game-winning shot. She is able to play all over the field. She can shoot, pass or defend. In a sporting world of selfish athletes, Flynn exhibits an unlikely trait -- the ability to put the team ahead of the individual.
The junior from Jersey has received numerous accolades during her three-year career at Virginia. Last summer, she was invited to B-Camp, a step on the path toward the U.S. national team, and also was selected to compete on the Philadelphia Fury summer travel team. The Fury featured a number of Cavaliers in 2004, providing the opportunity for teammates to come together in an extra season. In fact, Flynn passed on participation in B-Camp so that she could compete with her teammates on the Fury.
"This year, a lot of Virginia players got the opportunity to play [on the Fury]," Flynn said. "It gave us the opportunity to play in a more relaxed atmosphere together."
These experiences may have changed the star of Allie Flynn in 2004. Not only has she played all over the field -- from forward all the way to the defensive backline -- the active career scoring leader has taken a different role in this season's offensive attack. Flynn still ranks high among the team in goals and assists, but has thrived in a midfield role allowing her to open up transition opportunities for the offense.
"She is a very unselfish player," Virginia coach Jessica Wilk said. "She has done whatever we have asked of her, playing every position from the forward line to the back. I think that speaks both to her talent and her willingness to just do whatever is necessary for the team."
Flynn came to Virginia from Readington Township, N.J., after four years of starring for her high school squad. At Hunterdon Central, not only was she a team captain, but for three seasons stood atop the team's scoring leader board.
After enjoying such success in high school, it was no surprise that Flynn began her career as a Cavalier with high expectations.
She has yet to disappoint.
In 2002, Flynn's first season, she tied for the team lead with six goals while making appearances in 16 games. Last year as a sophomore, Flynn entered the game as a starter, notching 25 points on 12 goals and one assist. Counting high school, it was the fifth-straight season that she had led her team in scoring.
It was in the fall of 2003, however, that Flynn truly stepped up as a critical player when Virginia falls behind. On Sept. 12, the Cavaliers were facing VCU tied 1-1, 10 minutes after halftime. With the clock ticking down, Flynn tipped in a free hit from teammate Juli Bojanic for the game-winning goal. Since that game, she has gone on to tally three goals and two assists which have been the deciding scores of a contest.
"Her game has matured," Wilk said. "She has gotten a lot more experience, and she has really made a significant jump between last year and this year."
This Sunday afternoon, Virginia will face off against No. 1 Wake Forest for its second straight conference matchup. Last weekend, the Cavaliers nearly pulled off a tremendous upset of No. 2 North Carolina, before falling 2-1. Outside of conference ramifications, however, the game will be a time to mark the true emergence of Flynn one year ago, and not just as a late-game scorer.
"She adds a lot to our team with her skill level, her work ethic, and is providing great leadership for us as well," coach Wilk said.
This season, Flynn has evolved even further into the dynamic team player that the Cavaliers need when attempting to find positions on the field for all their talent. Though for the first time in six years she may not lead her team in scoring, Flynn will certainly sit atop the team leader board for stepping up when Virginia has needed her most.
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