Allie Lourie
Soccer
Allie Lourie, a senior interior architecture major here at Samford University, is far from any typical student. She is also a midfielder for the Samford women’s soccer team, and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. A typical day in Allie’s life starts with breakfast at her apartment, and then class. After class, she heads to Pete Hanna for either a filming session, weights training, or treatments with the athletic trainer, Anne Westbrook. She then heads to lunch followed by practice. After practice, the team either goes to eat together, or she goes home and cooks. Finally, she does homework and hangs out with friends before preparing for the next day.
Soccer was a constant in Allie’s daily routine. However, two weeks into conference play this past season, she tore her calf muscle. She thought that her soccer career was over. “I went from playing every minute of every game to standing on the sideline in a boot and crutch in one hand. I was the captain for our team this past season and not being out there with my team leading by example was the hardest thing in the world.” Allie and the athletic trainers at Samford University became more aggressive with her rehab and treatment. “The goal was for me to get back for the conference tournament, and if I didn’t make it back, at least we knew that we had tried our hardest.” She credits her athletic trainer, Anne, for her incredibly quick recovery, and for all of the encouragement that she provided during her rehab.
The recovery program worked for Allie. Twenty-seven days after she tore her calf, she played 30 minutes in the quarter final game. The next weekend, she started and played the whole game in both the semis and the finals. The team won the championship and secured a spot in the NCAA tournament. After losing the game against University of South Carolina, Allie’s soccer career ended. “I couldn’t help but look back and smile so big through the tears. I had accomplished my goal of bringing my team back to the NCAA tournament. There may have been a few bumps in the road, and setbacks from injuries, but at the end of the day, we got to the NCAA tournament and we won our sixth championship in a row, and that was something to smile for. Yes, soccer may be over for me, but nobody can ever take away what I did.”
Without the generous support of the Bulldog Club members, Allie would not have had access to incredible athletic trainers and equipment to make her quick recovery possible. “None of this would have been possible without my amazing athletic trainer, Anne. She cares about me not only as an athlete but as a person. The Bulldog Club members made it possible for Anne to help me on the path to a quick recovery.”
What is your guilty pleasure? Anything sweets related, especially brownies
Favorite movie: The Parent Trap!
Favorite Caf meal? Breakfast for sure! I always get an omelet with bacon, spinach and mushrooms, with a side of hash browns and yogurt. Friday mornings after weights we sometimes even reward ourselves with waffles. Breakfast in the Caf never disappoints!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I would want to be able to fly, 100%. That would be so cool.
Any traditions before a game? Before every game I read a note my dad wrote me before I started my college athletic career. I also eat the same protein bar before every game, and each season I use the same hair tie (or as long as it lasts).
Favorite Samford memory? Winning the Southern Conference championship as well as the regular season, and playing in the NCAA tournament.
