There is a steep learning curve between high school and collegiate athletics, and many freshmen can benefit from an extra redshirt year of adjustment before donning their college colors on the field of play.
Alexis Milesky is not one of those players, having thrived and, at times, led Ohio to victory despite having played in only eight collegiate games.
“She’s a good soccer player, but more than that she has a huge hunger to win and compete. That’s something that you can’t teach,” said Ohio coach Aaron Rodgers. “Every time she steps out for a game or training, she gives everything she has to want to win.”
Milesky ranks second among her Ohio peers in shots and goals, with 13 attempts and two conversions — not counting a shot that crossed the goal line against DePaul but was disallowed.
“We had this celebration (because) it was my first collegiate goal and then it got called back and that was just depressing,” Milesky said. “Then when I got the first goal in the game against Eastern Kentucky it was that much better because I was almost there and then I got it finally.”
Milesky, a forward from Plain City, is a scrappy offensive player whom assistant coach Allison Whitworth called “the most competitive person” she has ever been around.
That mentality has made her a spark for the Bobcats and has helped her push her older teammates.
“She holds everyone to that standard,” Whitworth said. “As a freshman young player she challenges everybody to be their best and to do the best for the team. I think that’s a rare quality, rarer than you want it to be, but it makes her special because she’s always giving 100 percent, always wants to win, no matter the circumstances.”
Milesky’s passion for the game is fueled by plenty of success at the club level, as she is fresh off a U18 national championship with her Ohio Premier squad, for which she played for 10 years.
“I don’t deal with losing very well because with my club team we don’t lose very often,” she said. “The losing is hard for me, but I think it makes it that much better when we win because then I can celebrate and be happy. Losing isn’t my thing really. Winning is great so far, but we can’t stop now.”
Milesky is used to being a leader for her club team — something both she and Rodgers see in her future for Ohio.
“Instead of just working harder, she needs to work smarter,” Rodgers said. “When she learns that, she’s going to be a phenomenal player. … As she grows into a leadership role, those are things that are going to have much more impact in the program.”
AK840511@ohiou.edu
@Kovarandrew
