Athlete of the Week: Mel Allan
The buzzer sounds as regulation ends with the score tied. The entire girls’ varsity basketball team and spectators lean forward in their chairs as overtime starts. Senior Mel Allan, co-captain of the team, receives a pass on the wing from her teammate, rises up and swishes a shot. The crowd explodes in a congratulatory roar as she runs back to the bench to high-five all of the players, reminding them that the game isn’t over quite yet. Known as “Stephen Curry” by the rest of the team, Allan knows how to knock a shot down from anywhere on the court as well as how to pump the team up in all situations.
Allan was not always the basketball star that many know her as today. Allan started out as a hockey player. Growing up in Canada, she wanted to escape the normal trend of hockey and find a “warmer” sport. In fifth grade, her mother suggested her to try out for the basketball team, and ever since, Mel has been hooked. Basketball has now become an integral part of Allan’s life, helping her grow both on and off the court.
“She is someone who keeps us calm when adversity hits and hypes us up when we need it. She always comes to practice with a smile on her face and that brightens everyone’s day. Whenever you fall, Mel’s always there to pick you back up.”
One of the ways Allan’s love for basketball shaped her life was when she moved to Exeter. As a new upper, Allan found that everyone in her grade had already formed their own friend groups. She looked to basketball, however, to help her adjust into the unfamiliar environment. Between casual pick-up games and conversations with her future teammates, Allan began to form tight friendships before the season even began. Her and her team only grew closer as practices started. They have supported each other through the ups and downs of the season and offseason.
“The twelve girls last year really helped me with my experience here and just enjoying Exeter because, as everyone knows, it can be tough here sometimes,” Allan said. “Basketball has definitely helped me out during my hardest times.”
At Exeter, Allan also learned the importance of team chemistry. She tore her ACL after only four games in her first season and was forced to miss the remainder of the season. However, being confined to the bench did not diminish her spirit. According to upper Lucy Weiler, Allan would show up to every practice to cheer on both JV and varsity as they pushed through exhausting drills. Even during late Wednesday games, Allan would always show up to greet her teammates and applaud them from the bench.
Now that Allan’s ACL has healed, her presence and support have increased and have been a crucial part of the team’s success. Senior and co-captain Courtney Henrich explained some of the ways in which Allan continues to encourage the team on a daily basis.
“During warmups Mel is always cheering and clapping, keeping us focused on the game,” Henrich said. “She is someone who keeps us calm when adversity hits and hypes us up when we need it. She always comes to practice with a smile on her face and that brightens everyone’s day. Whenever you fall, Mel’s always there to pick you back up.”
In fact, Allan’s upbeat personality became one of the reasons why the team elected her as a co-captain. While she also led her previous high school’s team, Allan felt the role of captain was only determined by performance on the court. Guiding Exeter’s team throughout this year’s season has taught her about the various challenges and responsibilities that a captain has to bear and carry.
One of the challenges Allan has faced as a captain is the young age of this year’s team. Allan noted that a large portion of the players are still new to the competitive atmosphere of high school and can break down nervously in certain situations. Allan has learned how to keep the team calm, but still vigorous enough to contend on a varsity level. Prep Charlotte Polk commented on Allan’s constant encouragement of the new players.
“Mel shows her leadership in every practice,” Polk said. “It’s easy to stop focusing and working hard late in practice, but Mel is always encouraging us to hustle back on defense or keep our hands up or stay low. She’s also a great role model and does a really good job of always giving 100 percent in practice.”
As Polk mentioned, Allan also keeps her team motivated through her own determination and reliable work ethic. She is always willing to take risks and fail until her faith finally pays off.
“She really leads by example and never gives up in practice or games,” lower Bella Edo said. “If something doesn’t work the first time, she keeps trying until she gets something that does work. She also isn’t afraid to take risks like trying out something new on the court, which is really admirable in not only a captain but also a person.”
Indeed, some of Allan’s most exciting moments have come from close games. She is known for her ability to fight to the end and knock in those “clutch” last second shots. Even when she’s off the court, the close moments still keep her excited.
“Since I have been here, we have had six or seven games that have been within one point,” Allan said. “Even if I am not on the court, just being part of the team during that and seeing how different girls react to tight games is a remarkable experience.”
Obviously the team cannot pull out the win in every one of these close games. During her last year at her old high-school, her team lost the championship by one point, a moment Allan claims she will “always remember.” She uses the memory as motivation to keep her fighting until the clock runs out, even when things are looking dull. In fact, she even hit a game winner last Saturday, during the team’s victory over Cushing Academy.
Members of the team all agreed that like Allan’s persistence and passion for basketball will never diminish. They also looked forward to spending the rest of the season with Allan as they push to end the strong season on a high note.
“She’s just a really cool person, and she’s always working hard,” Polk said. “It’s been really great working with her this season, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with her.”