If you have not heard of Mallory yet, you soon will. She is already standing out at such at the tender age of 17 as the best high school soccer player
If you have not heard of Mallory yet, you soon will. She is already standing out at such at the tender age of 17 as the best high school soccer player in the country and a star on the U-20 U.S. Women’s National Team.
Mallory has been having a great junior year so far, winning the 2014-15 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year Award. This recognition is a direct result of her amazing performances for both Mountain Vista High School in Colorado and with the national team.
Even though she is just a junior in High School, her amazing track record has catapulted her into the eyes of many university recruiters. Pugh, however, already verbally committed to attend UCLA in the fall of 2016, and she seems to be very excited about that.
[quote_box_center]”I think about it [U.C.L.A.] every single day. I can’t wait to get out there” Mallory comments, “I know senior year for everyone is just a great way to wrap up high school and get ready for the next chapter of your life. I’m really excited to just play soccer and be with my friends and I can’t wait to get to Westwood.”[/quote_box_center]
Her coach at Vista, Theresa Echtermeyers talked about Mallory as well: “I think Mal has a very unique skill set that I’m not sure I’ve ever seen. It’s very unique. She does things with the ball, with her speed thought, her speed of play. She reads the game so well. In that respect she’s way mature beyond her years. I think she’s a combination of a lot of players.”
Mallory totals 47 goals in her high school career in three seasons so far. She has also helped her team win a Class 5A tittle, and was a three-time All-State selection. She helped the Real Colorado U-16 team to qualify for the 2014 Elite Clubs National League Champions League finals.
As far as the national team, she was a star player on the U-17 team as a leading scorer at the 2013 CONCACAF championships. After that, she was invited to be on the U-20 squad and soon became the youngest player on the U-20 team, where she has been getting quality international experience that will eventually aid her when she joins the senior national team.
Outside of the field, Mallory is also an incredible person. She maintains a 3.68 GPA, she volunteers to do community service that benefits the Children’s Hospital Colorado, she has helped needy families through the Panther Pantry, and Tennyson Center for abused youth. Lastly, she works with the US Youth Soccer helping young athletes with disabilities.
Pugh is definitely a humble person, not letting all this success she has been having in her career at a young age get up in her head. She recognizes how much help she receives from her family, friends, teammates, coaches, which is crucial for her success. As she said: “My family and coaches have been really understanding. Without their help, I don’t know where I would be.”
As the midfielder/attacker continues to shine, we will keep an eye on her for what the future holds. So far, it has been exceedingly promising.
