Alyssa Dunn is keeping the proud tradition of successful two-sport female-athletes at Saint Joseph's very much alive. A punishing defender with a fearsome shot for the Field Hockey team in the fall and a power-hitting first baseman for the Monks' softball team in the spring, Dunn has collected All-Conference and All-Tournament honors in both endeavors. She has played in a total of 176 games in her career and has helped her teams earn 128 victories in three seasons thus far. Not only a talented athlete, Dunn is also known to be a top student at St. Joe's and has earned various academic honors, including a pair of ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District accolades, as a Biology/Pre-Med major.

Field Hockey Head Coach Rupert Lewis:

In my opinion, Alyssa has been the most prolific player in our program to date.  She is by far the “real deal.” We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding student-athlete of her caliber in a Monks’ uniform, as I believe she could be playing at any Division I college-level program.  A four-year starter and great leader with an excellent work ethic, she starts her senior year as one of three team captains and is certainly admired by her teammates.

Softball head Coach Jamie Smyth:

Alyssa is one of the finest young women that I have ever coached.  She always brings her smile and positive attitude to the team every day.  Don’t let that fool you, however, because she is a fierce competitor and someone that truly represents all of the values of Saint Joseph’s College.

Full name: Alyssa Christine Dunn 

Born: August 12, 1989 in Portland, Maine 

Year: Senior 

Major: Biology/Pre-Medicine 

Hometown: Standish, Maine 

High School: Bonny Eagle High School 

Sport(s) and position(s): Field Hockey - defense/Softball - infield 


Favorites

Song: "Tim McGraw" by Taylor Swift 

Professional Sports Team: Red Sox 

Athlete: Travis Dunn (my brother) 

Food: The Klunas’ baked mac n cheese! 

T.V. Show(s):

Home Improvement, Jersey Shore, Everybody Loves Raymond, Reba, and Grey's Anatomy 


Movie(s): 

The Notebook, P.S. I Love You, 50 First Dates, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, and Tommy Boy 


Book: The Last Song, by Nicolas Sparks 


Feature Questions

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?

It was close to home, I could play two sports, and I liked the small campus and classroom size 

What is/was your favorite class at St. Joe's and why?

Environmental Chemistry because I learned about real problems our future may run into if we aren't more environmentally friendly. Also, because Dr. Hoyt is the funniest teacher I have ever had! 

What was your first job (actually received a paycheck)?

Olympia Sports - I actually still work there today! 

Who would you like to trade places for a day with and why?

Taylor Swift because she is my favorite musician, so talented, and absolutely gorgeous. 

What is on your "Bucket List?"

Like most people, I would like to travel around the world. I would also like to write a children's book someday. 

Talent you'd most like to have:

I'd like to be able to sing WELL. (My teammates, coaches, and opponents probably wish I had this talent too, haha). 

What do you drive?

Right now I'm driving my mom's Pontiac G6 because my Tahoe is about to die. 

What is your motto?

"Nothing worth having comes easy" 

Do you have any superstitions before you go into a big game?

For field hockey, I always have to tap every player's stick and I have to dribble tight circles around one of my teammates during warm-ups. For softball, I have to swing in increments of two in between each pitch when I'm up to bat. I also can't enter the pitcher's mound with a ball in my hand. 

Why did you choose your jersey #?

For both field hockey and softball: both of the numbers were available and were the right size so I picked them! I don't really have a "lucky" number that I HAVE to have. 

What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at SJC?

Making the winning penalty stroke in overtime against Wheaton during field hockey playoffs my freshman year and having 23 straight wins during the 2010 softball season. 

Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

My grandparents - they basically raised me as their own and taught me so many valuable life skills. If I grow up to be as caring as them, I will die a happy person 

Can you tell us something about you that most people don't know?

Most people at SJC don't know that I played varsity boys' ice hockey all throughout middle school and high school. I miss it SO much but feel extremely lucky to be able to play two sports at the college level. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

HOPEFULLY finishing up my last year of medical school and settling down. It would also be nice to have a real job lined up in a hospital or family clinic. 

If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?

Jim Carey, Adam Sandler, or Tim Allen because all of them are soooo funny. 

What are your hobbies?

Sports, listening to music, singing, reading, going to the beach, mini golf, watching movies, camping, etc. 

What is your ideal day away from athletics?

Spending the entire day with friends on the beach, then camping out at night! 

Do you plan on playing sports or coaching after you graduate?

I would LOVE to play in some pick-up leagues or coach after I am done with school if my schedule allows me to do so. 

What are your personal and team goals for this season?

I would like to win a championship with both of my teams and, ideally, have two undefeated seasons. I also want to improve my batting average and beat USM (field hockey) and Emerson (softball) before I graduate! 

 Anything else you'd like to add?

I have the best coaches and teammates in the world!