Even before she stepped on the court, she was a member of the team. Becoming a manager just made it official.
After stumbling on a sign in Moseley announcing a search for more basketball managers, senior Allie Solender described her shock as pure excitement.
[quote]I wish I could support every team. I know that sounds really cliche. It has to do with scheduling, so I try to make it to the sports teams that any of my friends are playing on. I try to spread myself out as much as possible. -Allie Solender, senior[/quote]
“I sat there for five minutes because I was so excited that I could be part of the team that I cheer for all the time,” she said.
Solender, now a manager for the men’s basketball team, first distinguished herself as a proponent of college athletics while watching from the stands. Musically inclined, she began attending college athletics as a trumpet player for the marching band and pep band.
“Just like the fan support, it’s important to have the band there and they do a good job, not just when they’re playing, but when their instruments are down they are some of our most vocal supporters,” said Will Roberson, men's basketball assistant coach.
For Solender as well, music and sports developed an inextricable connection.
“I definitely attribute my love of sports to my love of music,” Solender said.
From sitting in the stands she started to learn the names of the team members and rules of the sports. According to Solender, the design of the gym brings the spectators closer to the court and more invested in the team. Cheering and playing quickly characterized her college experience.
“Our coaching staff has been here for three years and Allie went on some road trips in the past as a fan,” Roberson said. “She went on some away games and we would only have one or two fans there, and she would be one. It’s rare for students to go to away games and we appreciate that.”
Although she naturally attended all the football and men’s basketball games as a member of the band, she has also become an avid supporter of the volleyball team, women’s basketball team, men’s soccer team and baseball team. And her enthusiasm as a fan has not gone unnoticed.
Following the soccer team’s victory at the Southern Conference tournament, the team presented the loyal fan with an autographed soccer ball.
“Her support throughout the season and during the playoffs meant a lot to us as a team and we thought it was necessary to show our support for her,” senior center-midfielder James Carroll said. “We wanted to give her a token of our appreciation and give her a soccer ball with all of our autographs on it.”
But the sentiment is mutual. Solender describes watching the soccer team with the tournament as one of her most memorable Elon moments.
“It would have been a different experience if we won and didn’t have fans there to celebrate with,” Carroll said.
The baseball team gave her a jersey — No. 2, Chris Bresnahan’s number — to wear to all their games.
“It’s awesome because I actually know him,” she said. “We took Current Issues in College Athletics together in Winter Term.”
Solender developed friendships with the athletes in her class, which motivated her to support their teams.
“I wish I could support every team,” she said. “I know that sounds really cliche. It has to do with scheduling, so I try to make it to the sports teams that any of my friends are playing on. I try to spread myself out as much as possible.”
Now as manager, her role for the team has changed, but her spirit is unwavering.
“One thing about Allie is she always has a smile on her face,” Roberson said. “It’s easy to be distracted and think about things outside the team, and she always has a positive attitude and is ready. She does a good job of raising the spirits of everyone around her because she’s always in a good mood and smiling.”
Although Solender described her position as a glorified water boy, she said she enjoys the opportunity to be part of the team.
“Athletics is just one of the biggest representations of our school, so I wanted to be part of the team and part of the win,” she said.
Mission accomplished.