FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Camryn Ala was able to recall that before she could speak in full sentences, her first word was “ball.”
Fate has a funny way of foreshadowing as fast forward a few years and Ala has become one of Fort Fairfield’s all-around athletes, excelling in softball, basketball and soccer.
Fort Fairfield’s Ala was selected as the Class D Player of the Year by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, an honor that, despite her ability, she was not expecting to receive.
“It was so surreal,” said Ala. “I was shocked, but I was so honored and super excited to win it.”
Not only was Ala named Class D Player of the Year, but she was also named an All-Aroostook, and was named to the Northern Class D regional and state teams.
Ala has been involved with athletics since before she could walk, and has carried that passion for sports with her well into high school.
“Before I could walk, my dad would grab my hands and help me dribble the ball around the living room instead of walking,” Ala said.
Fort Fairfield’s Camryn Ala (left) races to the ball against a Bangor Christian defender in October. Looking on is Tiger teammate Sarah McShea. (Photo courtesy of Emily Ala)
Ala is also an all season athlete. She plays basketball in the winter, and has been a point guard for the last three years. In the spring, she plays softball, and has been a starter on the team for the last three years as well as a pitcher and middle infielder. She has earned her place as an All-Aroostook athlete in all three sports.
“Camryn has been a key player within our program for the last four years,” said Fort Fairfield girls varsity soccer coach (and Camryn’s father) John Ala. “She is a very calm player with the ball at her feet, who looks to connect passes in a possession style game. Camryn has been a captain her junior and senior year, she tends to be an individual who leads by example. She has put a lot of time into improving in the off season that has enabled her to develop into a well rounded player.”
Looking forward, Ala has her eyes on the University of Maine at Presque Isle for her college education, and plans on playing soccer there as well. As far as inspiration and thanks are concerned, Ala looks towards her father and coach.
“My father is the one that taught me the game ever since I was younger,” Ala said. “He motivates me every time I touch a soccer ball, and he’s really the biggest reason I won this award, I couldn’t have done it without him. I also want to thank my mother and my brother. He motivates me too because he is catching up to me.”
