http://cuse.com/news/2015/2/6/FH_0206151619.aspx
Manley to Train with Senior National Team
One of three SU players currently in USA system
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – For the second time in the past three months, junior midfielder
Alyssa Manley of the Syracuse University field hockey team will train with the United States senior national team. In addition, junior goalkeeper
Jess Jecko and freshman midfielder
Laura Hurff will train with the U-21 and U-19 teams, respectively.
"I was really excited that they saw potential in me," said Manley. "It definitely will help me be faster with my play and my decision-making. Coach Bradley told me to take this as a learning experience. I have and it has been great."
The senior national team and U-19 and U-21 squads begin training next week at Spooky Nook in Manheim, Pa. The senior national team is scheduled to play Argentina four times from Feb. 13-18, while the U-21 team will face Canada four times from Feb. 12-16.
After being cut from the U-19 travel squad two years ago, Manley is on her way to cementing a spot with the senior national team. The Lititz, Pa. native is attempting to become the first Syracuse player on the senior national team since Shannon Taylor.
"It would be a great personal accomplishment," stated Manley when asked about the possibility of permanently joining the senior national team. "It shows how well the coaching I have gotten from high school to Coach Bradley, helping me develop as a player. It also helps them gets the recognition that they developed me into a player that is capable of playing with the national team."
Manley will train with the senior national team prior to its matches against Argentina then join Jecko for the U-21 team's contests against Canada.
"It's great, I love that there is three of us right now that are in the USA system," added Manley. "I just think it is great that we are all getting experience off the team that we can bring back on the Syracuse team."
The Orange trio all will return to the pitch in 2015. Syracuse is coming off its most successful season, advancing to the NCAA Tournament final for the first time in program history. For the first time in school history, two players earned First Team All-America accolades, as well.
"This year was a huge growing year," commented Manley. "We started out rough, but developed into a strong team that worked so hard to get where we were. It was a really great season."
