Mailley Anchors Young Falcons On Soccer Field
Despite a sprained MCL that has disrupted her season, Melissa Mailley hopes to build on last year's success.
Watching helplessly on the sideline, Melissa Mailley's only wish is to come to the rescue of her teammates. The Falcons play together with enthusiasm but clearly seem lost without their star goalkeeper and MVP. They fall behind to Heritage and cannot seem to muster enough offensive firepower to overcome the deficit. The Briar Woods standout goalie wonders if she could have prevented the Pride's two goals if she were on the field. Because of spraining her MCL earlier in the season, she is forced to watch on the sideline as the final seconds tick off on the scoreboard and the Falcons fall 0-2. With her voice hoarse from all the shouts of encouragement, Mailley walks off the field with her teammates after the game, determined to return from the injury as soon as possible.
Most people would have been discouraged by the setback, but Mailley remains optimistic and supportive of her teammates. After recording an astounding 321 saves, Mailley looks to build on her impressive season last year when she returns from her injury later this season.
"Sitting on the bench and having no input on the game is tough, but I'm working hard with our school's trainer so I can help my teammates as soon as possible," said Mailley.
The Falcons success on the soccer field starts with the team's leader and last line of defense. Mailley was first team all-district, first team all-region, and honorable mention for the all-state team last year. Her coaches praise her quickness, agility, instincts, and her decision making. When watching the junior, you see her fearlessness and willingness to recklessly give up her body for a save. Mailley plays with a look of determination on her face and her team feeds off her energy.
"Melissa is a great person on and off the field, has quick hands and feet, and is our emotional leader," said teammate Brittany Donegan. "Even while she's been out with her injury she is still upbeat and encouraging."
Mailley has played soccer for eight years and perfected her skills with numerous travel teams. When she arrived at Briar Woods last year, it became clear that she would be the centerpiece that girls soccer coach Ann Vierkorn would build around.
"Melissa takes pride in what she does and doesn't need accolades to motivate her. I rely on her to be a good role model and lead the team on and off the field, and she has never let me down," said Vierkorn.
Although Mailley is considered one of Briar Woods most talented players, she remains humble and dedicated.
"We have a hard working team and no one player is above anyone else. It takes an entire team to win games and everyone understands that, and we work hard to achieve our goals," said Mailley.
Despite a 1-13 district record last year, the Falcons are a much improved team with lots of young, talented athletes. A year more experienced, Briar Woods continues to play competitively against the better teams in the Dulles district. The Falcons upset Park View 2-1, tied Potomac Falls 0-0, and battled valiantly in a 0-1 loss to Loudoun Valley this year.
But Vierkorn is not as concerned with the scoreboard as she is with seeing her team continually giving their all-out effort.
"Being a new and young team, I'm fortunate to have a player like Melissa. And I tell all my players that if you give all you've got, you will always be a winner," said Vierkorn.
"We just want to be competitive this year and hopefully finish somewhere in the top five in the district," said Mailley.
Off the field, Mailley's teachers continually praise her for her attentiveness and stellar grades in the classroom. She also seems to know everyone in her school because of her upbeat attitude and contagious smile.
"Melissa is a true role model to her teammates as well as other student athletes Briar Woods," Vierkorn said.
Whether in the classroom, making saves on the soccer field, or doing what is best for her teammates, you can count on Mailley to be a role model and star for the Falcons.
