Junior Allie Prigge, is a standout midfielder for the UW-Whitewater soccer team. In the past two years Prigge has demonstrated leadership, and a dedication both on and off the field. Growing up Prigge played 14 different sports before finding her love for soccer.
The Warhawks finished the 2022 year with a record of 11-5-4. Ranked No. 4 in their region, the UW-Whitewater women’s soccer program has been a consistent contender, with some big goals going into the 2023 season.
As an asset to the Warhawk soccer team for the past two seasons, Prigge has made over 39 game appearances, and in just her sophomore year alone had 13 goals and two assists. With great leadership skills and commitment to the team Prigge is a valuable player for the Warhawks this season.
Q: What made you start playing soccer?
A: When I was about 5 years old, my dad put me in, like ten different sports, because he wanted to see what sport I would like best. Once I started playing soccer I knew it was for me. I just love being part of a big team and having one purpose and then I played club for ten years until I finally got to high school and then got to play travel soccer. Every team I was a part of made me feel welcome and grew me as a person and an athlete. So when I got to college, I knew that soccer was the sport I wanted to continue.
Q: What are some goals the team has for this season?
A: This season as a team our biggest goal is to make it to the NCAA Tournament. Last year we fell just short. I think because we were a younger team we didn’t make it that far, but this year we have so much potential to really grow our team and become a close knit family. We have a lot of older talent on the team so while our biggest goal is to get to the NCAA tournament, we also want to win the conference tournament. I think this year, we have a big opportunity to grow our program with a new coach with a fresh start. We’ve been so good our last couple of years, but I think this year is a big year that we’re gonna make our mark on the field.
Q: What made you choose the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
A: For me being close to home was a big deal, and I also wanted my school to feel like a family. When I was visiting colleges Whitewater stood out for having the best culture and being the most welcoming. I liked how all their athletics and academics had one goal to be better all around. So that’s why I ended up going to Whitewater.
Q:How do you demonstrate leadership on the team?
A: I do feel like I am a leader on the team because I lead by example. The last four years haven’t been easy for me with injuries and I think being able to push myself and get back on the field after a tough injury is how I want the rest of my team to look up to me, to know that when you face a hard time you can come back from it. An injury or setback is not going to end your career, you have potential going forward.
The Warhawk’s lost their season opener Sept. 1 and look to get on the right foot in their game Sept. 5, before coming back to Whitewater to play their first home game Wednesday Sept. 6 against Loras College. Prigge is expected to make a big impact for the women’s soccer team both on and off the field.