Year: Junior (2009)

Major: Biology

HOMETOWN/HS:Waldoboro, ME/Medomak Valley HS

Sport/Position: Basketball/Softball; Guard/Outfielder

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite Book: Cry, the Beloved Country

Favorite Food: her father's peanut butter cream pie

Favorite T.V. Show: doesn't watch much television

Favorite Bon Apetit Meal: chocolate chip waffles

"We are a very close team, I love all of them and would do anything for them"

"Aly" is a tri-captain and starting guard for the women's basketball team and the starting centerfielder for the SJC softball team. For basketball she is known for her tenacious defense and passing ability as she currently leads the team in both steals and assists per game. Last season, Ludwig led the team in rebounding, assists and steals and started every contest. Ludwig was honored as the 2006-07 SJC Female Athlete of the Year and earned the women's basketball MVP Award. Defense is also Ludwig's trademark in softball, as she started all 33 games in centerfield in '07 without making a miscue. She also hit .339 and led the team in stolen bases with 14 last season.

Women's Basketball Head Coach Deb Reardon on Alysn:

"Aly has been a "difference maker" in our program and is one of those rare and special players that all coaches hope they have the opportunity to work with. Her athleticism and work ethic are second to none and this year she is doing a tremendous job of leading our squad on and off the court. Aly has overcome several challenges this season with illness and injury and returned to the floor better and stronger each time. We are fortunate to have her on our squad and she has been a key factor in our GNAC success this season."

Softball Head Coach Jamie Smyth on Alysn:

"Alysn is one of the best true athletes I have ever coached. She does so many different things that can help a team win on a daily basis. Her success is not limited to just athletics as she carries a high GPA majoring in Biology. Alysn is someone who is soft-spoken but is a great leader by example. WE are looking forward to having her on our team for the next two seasons."

Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

My parents and younger brother have the biggest impact on my life, especially when it comes to sports. Both my parents have always supported me not by just bringing me to practice but by always encouraging me and even often coaching and spending extra hours practicing with me. My mom would often bring me to the gym before school and before games to shoot around. They also supported me very much in softball - actually both of my parents were my coaches in farm team league for baseball. In fact, I wasn't very good, especially at hitting, so my mom would bring me off to the side and throw me extra pitches in between innings. Later I became a pitcher, but in junior high I was the third or fourth pitcher so I didn't get very much time to practice during the actual practice, so she would drive down to the field (which we had to walk to) so we could get there early and practice. My dad also often would catch for me and then when he was old enough my brother became my catcher. Even if there was still some snow on the ground he would be willing to go out in the driveway and catch for me. My parents and my younger brother have always supported me not only in sports, but in all areas of my life.

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?

I wanted to go to a small school in Maine that was close to home that also had a solid medical program and a friendly community environment and SJC was the best fit.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be?

Muhammad Ali. He is just one of my favorite athletes and he overcame much adversity and many of his quotes are so inspirational that it would be awesome to meet him and talk with him in person.

What kind of effects has your St. Joseph's College Coaching staff had on your life?

They have taught me through examples the many things about what it takes to be a good coach.

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

I work on a farm during the summer and when I was younger I was really bad at sports. In fact, when I was younger my mom took me to indoor soccer and I would just stand with my hands in my pockets. She didn't know what she was going to do with me because she thought I would never play sports or be any good at them.

What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at St. Joe's?

Winning both the softball independent tournament and basketball tournament my freshman year and receiving the female athlete of the year award last year as a sophomore.

What did you do over the summer to prepare for your season?

I played in the Women's League in Portland at SMCC and I usually run and lift and shoot around at my house in the driveway with my brother.

Do you plan on being involved in sports after college?

Definitely! I would love to still participate in both softball and basketball and I am sure I will play any chance I can as long as I am able to even if it is just in pick-up games. Also, I would love to be involved as a coach at any level. I have always enjoyed coaching the younger kids at the summer camp we have here at SJC and this year my teammate Andre`a Enright and myself coached a 5th and 6th grade team in Windham. It has been an amazing experience as we have seen them improve their skills and their love for the game.

What would you say is the most difficult part of being a captain of a collegiate team?

At any time when dealing with 13 girls it can be difficult. I have been accustomed to teammates looking to me while on the court and field, but this year I have also added the responsibility of them looking to me during situations off the court. Although it has its challenges, being a captain also has many benefits and I thoroughly enjoy representing the girls on my team; we are a very close team and I love all of them and would do anything for them.

What are your hobbies?

Skiing, horseback riding, and playing sports -either intramurals or pick-up games with whoever wants to play.

What is your ideal day away from your sport?

There is no ideal day AWAY from sports but probably just hanging out with my friends or family.

What is the funniest moment you've experienced as an athlete here at SJC?

Well with this team there is never a dull moment. We are always laughing and having a good time together so I don't think I could single out the funniest moment.

How do you feel about your basketball season thus far and your upcoming softball campaign?

I think we have had a very successful basketball season, we have so much talent on the team this year and we are still very young. I am very excited about softball starting up but also a little disappointed as this means that basketball will be coming to an end, but I look forward to this softball season especially for our first games in Florida! We have lost a lot of girls since last year but we also have many returners who have another year of experience and a lot of new talent so I look forward to having a strong season.

This is Saint Joseph's first season in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. What do you think of the competition so far?

We are currently 7-2 in the GNAC and we are really hoping to finish strong and in the top four overall so that we will be able to host the first play-off game. It has been great to be in a conference this year, to have something more to work for at the end of the season. I think that we have done really well in this conference so far and proved that we deserve to be in it.

Interview by Pat DeCola, Contributing Writer