The University of Pennsylvania women's soccer program's mentorship program provides a great connection between the current team/recent grads and the alumnae.
Sizzy Lawton C'23 and Allie Trzaska C'19 both had a lasting impact on the Penn women's soccer program. While their careers did not overlap, both led their teams as captains, earned All-Ivy League honors, and led their teams in assists. When it came time to pairing Lawton with a mentor, Trzaska was the best choice.
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Sizzy Lawton C'23
How has your mentor helped you during your time at Penn?
She has been able to give great advice to me so I can be as successful as possible. She is consistently a great support system and willing to help me with anything I need and has shared with me things that helped her when she was in college.
How has your mentor helped prepare you for life after Penn?
She has given me immense support and helpful tips for the interviewing process and things to look out for when accepting my first job. Having such an incredible outlet like Allie has been very relieving to be able to look up to someone who has great experience.
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Allie Trzaska C'19
What motivates you to serve as a mentor?        Â
Being a listening ear, giving advice, and offering help is something that I have grown up doing. As the oldest of 3 girls, I have been a "mentor" an example for as long as I can remember. It also made me realize how essential it is to have those go-to people in my life as I didn't have a built-in, sister mentor! I love having the opportunity to serve as a mentor to the younger generations of PWS by sharing my experiences at Penn and how it has shaped me both personally and professionally.
What has been a highlight for you in being a part of the mentorship program?
I enjoy hearing about my mentee's current experience with school and soccer and hearing about her future and how I can potentially help. I also love it when we have the full program zoom calls and I get to catch up with some of the other alums!
How does having a mentoring program enhance the Penn Women's Soccer program?
Playing a sport in college is like having a full-time job in addition to being a full-time student. Having a mentoring program allows players to seek advice and discuss potential futures with those who have gone through their exact experiences. I believe having a mentoring program takes away some of the stress that may come with job or internship searching or the unknowns of what happens after you graduate!
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If you are a women's soccer alum and would like to learn more about this program and get involved, please contact Douglas N. Brush head women's soccer coach Krissy Turner.
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