Far from the golden sand beaches of Oahu, Hawaiian native Troy Allen began playing soccer at 3 years old while living on an Air Force base. At 8 years old he moved to Oklahoma where he played for an indoor soccer club team. His inherent talent for soccer continued to evolve when he relocated, for a third time, to Olney, Pa. and became a forward for Olney Valley High School.
Troy Allen, senior business administration major, is a defender for the Cabrini Cavaliers men’s soccer team. His decision to attend Cabrini College was not difficult once he met assistant coach Rob Dallas.
“Coach Dallas has really helped me improve my style because he’s not only the assistant coach, he is also the defensive coach,” Allen said.
Allen’s passion for soccer can be seen both on and off the field. Last season he made the All-Conference team. He also enjoys all of the amenities that come with being a Cabrini College soccer player. For example, traveling with the team has allowed him to see many different parts of the country.
Being on the soccer team allows Allen to meet a lot of people on campus. He enjoys when fellow students approach him to discuss games throughout the season.
“One of my most memorable moments was when we beat Eastern last season in front of a huge crowd,” Allen said.
As a student-athlete, Allen has an extremely demanding schedule. The men’s soccer team holds mandatory practices daily and he is currently enrolled in six classes. However, even with a limited amount of time, he manages to complete his school work and give 100 percent to his team.
“The biggest challenge I am faced with right now is playing with an ankle injury. It’s a grade-one sprain,” Allen said.
In his free time, Allen loves hanging out with his friends and teammates. He describes the team as being very close.
Allen likes to relax watching television shows, such as Tosh.O and Entourage. The ESPN channel is a staple in Allen’s home. He especially enjoys watching Carles Puyol and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his two favorite soccer players.
Upon graduating from Cabrini College this May, Allen plans to return to Oahu, Hawaii where his mother and his older sister Michelle currently reside. In Hawaii, Allen plans to pursue a career in business and will most likely work for his step-father’s company.
Allen is looking forward to moving back to Hawaii. He misses the scenic beaches and the excitement of deep-sea spear fishing. However, he is not ready to give-up the college lifestyle or his favorite Philly cheesesteaks from Steve’s Prince of Steaks.
Currently, Allen is focused on having a great final season with the Cabrini Cavaliers. He continues to work hard to perfect his technique. Allen relies on the encouragement and advice of his coaches, teammates and family.
“My dad is my biggest supporter because he comes to every game and he’ll tell me how it is, what I need to work on and what I do wrong,” Allen said.
