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Signs On
Alyson Stolz, center, surrounded by sister Becky, front left, grandmother Alice Mandella and Uncle Rob Mandella, back, left, and mom Janice Stolz, signed with Division I Mass. College of Liberal Arts. Courtesy photo.
THOMPSON --- Alyson Stolz, a standout varsity basketball player at Marianapolis Preparatory School accepted at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), where she will continue her basketball career playing for the Trailblazers. Alyson, her teammates, Marianapolis coaches and family got together Dec. 8 at the school to celebrate. Stolz is the Marianapolis’ first-ever girl’s basketball NEPSAC all star, and is only the second girl in 15 years to go on to play basketball at the college level.
Alyson said knowing that she will continue to play college ball is the fulfillment of a dream, “Playing college basketball is something I’ve always wanted to do.” MCLA was a natural fit, she said, “I knew in the beginning that this was the school. Everyone is welcoming, the entire school and the team.” MCLA, in North Adams, Mass., placed first in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference Tournament Champions in 2010, and is ranked second in the league this year.
Stolz is a shooting guard who averages 15 points a game, and often leads in steals and assists. Mom Janice Stolz said the family is “very proud of her. She is very dedicated.” Her journey to college ball is one she traveled with her dad, Marty, who coached her in AAU’s South Central Sharks and at St. Anne’s in Webster since 3rd grade (where he never had a losing season), and is now assistant coach at Marianapolis. Marty describes, “Watching Alyson work on improving the physical and mental aspects of the game of basketball has always been rewarding, challenging and fun as a parent and coach.”
Coach Charlie Baron said Alyson as a very enthusiastic player who is very dedicated to sports and to her teammates. “She is a great leader. I’ve seen her develop from a ninth grader with raw talent to a leader of the revival of girls’ basketball at MPS. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a player at this level,” said Baron.
Alyson acknowledges she has great family support. “ I credit my dad for working with me on my foundation and my strategy, and teaching me that talent isn’t everything, that passion is important also.” She also credits MPS Head Coach Baron “for doing everything he has for our girls’ basketball team. From getting us fans, to making sure we look sharp, to getting us gym time and building a competitive schedule.” The team’s impressive record of 20 wins, 6 losses was the most wins for an MPS girls’ team. Alyson has been a 3-sport varsity athlete for all four of her years at Marianapolis, playing not only basketball but soccer and softball as well. Alyson is also an honor roll student.
She said MCLA women’s basketball head coach Holly McGovern’s personality and her coaching style were a big factor in her college decision. “Coach McGovern’s strategy is very much like Coach Baron and my dad. She sees the simple things people do on the court and how it comes together. Going there I know I will continue to further my game and have a family away from home.”
For her part, McGovern said she was impressed by Alyson’s “fundamentals and shooting ability,” as well as her “passion for the game,” adding, “besides being a strong player, Aly is a great teammate.”
Alyson will study athletic training in college, and will pursue a career as physician’s assistant with a focus in sports medicine. She was inspired by Marianapolis athletic trainer Buddy Drew, who not only helped her develop a conditioning program, but also taught her the foundation of Athletic Training. “He really helped me get to the next level as an athlete, and inspired me to pursue my career as an athletic trainer.” Alyson is grateful to Marianapolis for all she has attained both academically and athletically.