Q&A WITH Mallory Mooney: one of Colorado’s soccer rising stars

Javier Arellano | July 24, 2020

As July comes to an end, college players are preparing for their upcoming Fall season despite the uncertainty surrounding sports during this time. Some of those players will be entering their freshman year with a high pedigree and recognition, as is the case with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club’s Mallory Mooney. We caught up with Mooney in this Q&A to get to know more about one of Colorado’s soccer rising stars.

Q: What’s some basic background information on yourself?  A: I am the youngest of 4, I went to Broomfield High School, and I have been playing soccer since I could walk.

Q: Where were you born? Are you a Colorado native?  A: I am a Colorado native, I was born in Thornton, Colorado.

Q: Do you have family members that play sports?  A: I have a 20-year-old brother, Michael Mooney, who runs track and cross country at Colorado State University, a 20-year-old sister, Madison Mooney, who runs track and cross country at the University of Wisconsin, and a 22-year-old sister, Megan Mooney, who ran track and cross country at Florida State University and is now a grad transfer at Colorado State University. Both of my parents also ran track and cross country at Florida State University.

Q: Which clubs have you played for?  A: I grew up playing for Storm North. Then I moved to Storm South where I played ECNL, which turned into Colorado Rapids ECNL.

Q: What will be your favorite youth soccer memory?  A: My favorite youth soccer memory was getting to play in the high school state championship game in 2018. Even though we didn't get the result we wanted, it was a fun experience and I will always remember the atmosphere in the stadium from our student section. 

Q: How does it feel to have won this award?  A: Winning this award feels nice because it was my goal to win it. Even though I didn't get to play my senior soccer season, it really showed that all the work I have put in has paid off through my high school career.

Q: Where were you and what were you doing when you first found out about you winning the award? What was your first reaction?  A: I was getting ready for soccer practice when I saw that one of my future teammates at Auburn had won it and I went onto the Gatorade Player of the Year website and looked to see who won from Colorado. At first I was shocked to see my name under Colorado, then I was extremely happy and proud of myself for achieving my goal of winning Gatorade Player of the Year. This award is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments. It is the biggest award I have won in the soccer world. 

Q: How did the youth soccer environment in Colorado help you develop into the player that you are today?  A: I've always been able to compete against the top athletes in Colorado which shaped me into a strong player. Being able to travel to out of state competitions has allowed me to play against some of the best soccer players in the country. Having a great coaching and support system through my youth soccer teams has helped me be the player I am today.

Q: What are your long-term goals with soccer?  A: My long term goals with soccer are to play professional soccer in the NWSL. It has always been a dream of mine and if I work hard enough, I think I can get there.

Q: What are you most excited about heading into college and playing Division I soccer at Auburn? A: Heading into college at Auburn, I am very excited to have the opportunity to play Division 1 soccer in the SEC. Being a part of a successful program like Auburn is an honor and I hope to make a positive impact on the team.

Q: Is there anybody in particular you’d like to thank for helping you win this award? A: I would like to thank my high school coach, Jim Davidson as he's a very tactical coach and he has pushed me towards my goals and always gives me advice to become a better player. I also want to thank my club coaches at the Colorado Rapids for helping me develop my skills and become a better all around soccer player.