Athlete of the week

When Ali Cobbett, BR '03, steps onto the soccer or lacrosse field, her presence is immediately recognized. "Ali's always been a standout," Captain Sara Ruiz, BR '02, said. Until recently, Cobbett has been known for her consistency, play-making abilities, and assists, rather than her goal-scoring.

However, in the Bulldogs' season opener against Ohio, she set a new personal standard by scoring two goals and assisting another en route to a 3-1 victory. Cobbett followed her outstanding opening game with the first Bulldog hat trick of the season in Yale's 5-0 victory over Sacred Heart.

ALI COBBETT, BR '03 Women's soccer Major: Economics Favorite class: Photography Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla Favorite CD: Shakira, Pies Descalzos Favorite New Haven restaurant: Bar Favorite TV show: Saturday Night Live

Cobbett has been playing soccer "for as long as [she] can remember" and particularly enjoys being part of a team. She notes that one of her favorite aspects of playing is that many of her best friends are on the soccer field with her.

Cobbett also loves competing for her school. Last year, Cobbett started all 17 games for the Elis and contributed eight points on her way to being named Honorable Mention All-Ivy. Although an impact player last year with only eight points, Cobbett is already leading the Bulldogs with 10 points two games into the season.

Goalie Sarah Peterson, PC '02, recognized the dramatic rise in Cobbett's impact thus far, stating, "In the past, she was mainly a great playmaker because she would rather make a sweet assist than shoot.

But now that she's taking open shots and playing with more confidence, she just can't seem to miss." Ruiz added that this year Cobbett has "really applied her skills to scoring goals."

Cobbett also demonstrates her athletic talent in the spring when she competes for the varsity women's lacrosse team. Cobbett made a large impact during her first two years, appearing in all 16 games for the Bulldogs, with three goals and four assists on the season. Both her soccer and lacrosse coaches have praised Cobbett's overall athleticism and her positive attitude. Women's soccer Head Coach Rudy Meredith commented, "Ali is a coach's dream times two. She is the total package of a good player who works hard, promotes team chemistry, and never complains."

The dramatic improvement in Cobbett's play this season is the result not only of increased confidence, but also of her dedication during the summer. In addition to coaching lacrosse and soccer camps, Cobbett played club soccer, driving upwards of an hour each way to practice three times a week. Following Cobbett's efforts over the summer, Meredith noticed significant improvement in her level of play. "Ali worked hard all summer to be in shape; she played all summer, played against my team, and made a huge commitment to improve," he said. "We have also placed her in a more aggresive role, allowing her to put more of her energy into helping the team offensively," Meredith commented. -Darcy Wiecks

Back to Sports...