WPIAL Alum Q&A – Maddie Layman

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, November 16, 2015 | 7:46 AM

This week’s installment of the WPIAL Alum Q&A focuses on Maddie Layman, a former North Allegheny standout who has now been an integral part of the Duquesne University women’s soccer team.

In her time with the North Allegheny, Layman was a three-year starter on the varsity squad, and helped guide the Tigers to playoff appearances in all of those seasons. During this span, she earned all-section honors three times, and during her senior campaign in 2012, she netted 17 goals.

She continued her career at Duquesne University, and in 2013, she made an immediate impact as a true freshman. She played in 17 games at midfield, starting 11, and scored three goals. Her play in her first year with the Dukes earned her a spot on the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Rookie Team.

As a sophomore, Layman notched a team-leading five goals, and this season, she helped her team achieve unprecedented success.

Earlier this month, the Dukes compiled a 5-5 record in conference play, but made an unlikely run in the Atlantic 10 tournament, knocking off Fordham to capture the title. Layman assisted on the winning goal in that match, which qualified Duquesne for the NCAA tournament.

Although the magical run ended with a defeat to West Virginia University last week, Layman and her teammates achieved a historical season for Duquesne women’s soccer.

Maddie was kind enough to chat about her team’s success, as well as her memories from North Allegheny. She also revealed her favorite athlete, as well as a hidden talent.

Q: Your team recently captured its first ever conference championship. What was the feeling like when the final whistle blew?

A: I can’t even put words to how incredible it felt to win the Atlantic 10 Conference for the first time in history. It is so amazing to be a part of this team; we worked so hard this year and it was finally our turn to take home the trophy.

Q: Did your team believe that was a realistic possibility prior to the season? What were the goals for your squad?

A: Coming into this season, our goal was to make the playoffs. In the beginning of the season when we won the Steel City Classic, I knew we were going to have a very successful year. We had our ups and downs throughout the season but what is most important is that we were able to come together and peak at the right time.

Q: You earned all-rookie team honors in 2013. How were you able to play at a high level so quickly in college?

A: I worked really hard the summer prior to coming in as a freshman. I give a lot of my success to the coaches and players on my team because they were the ones who made me better throughout the year.

Q: Statistically, you have not compiled as many points this season as previous campaigns. Is that because of a change in role for you, and how would you evaluate your play this year?

A: I do not worry about the amount of points I receive because I know that every position on the field is very important. Playing a more defensive position this year allowed me to see the field differently and still contribute to the team just as much.

Q: In which areas have you most improved as a player since starting at Duquesne?

A: Having the privilege to be a captain for this team has helped me become more out spoken on and off the field. I have also noticed improvements in my strength and agility.

Q: What do you like most about the Duquesne coaching staff?

A: The best part about the Duquesne coaching staff is that they know when to be serious and get us focused, but they will also joke around and have fun with us when the time is right.

Q: How do you train during the offseason?

A: During the offseason, Brian Shrum, our assistant coach, provides us with a training packet that consists of lifts and fitness workouts to prepare us for the upcoming season. I follow this packet to the best of my ability. I also love taking spin classes and creating my own pool workouts.

Q: What was your best memory at North Allegheny?

A: My best memory at North Allegheny was when I scored off of my sister’s corner kick with less than a minute left in regulation time against our rivals Pine Richland. It was a sister connection J.

Q: Do you still follow North Allegheny sports, and in particular, its soccer team?

A: For the most part, I still follow the NA soccer team and the other sports. My brother is a senior at NA and he is always texting me and updating me on the sporting events and how the teams are doing.

Q: Did you play any sports aside from soccer?

A: Yes, as a kid I used to play tennis, and in middle school I played volleyball for two years.

Q: Is there a particular song that gets you or the team pumped up before a game?

A: Before every game we blast the song Turbulence and when the beat drops we all make as much noise as possible. This song gets everyone pumped up!

Q: What is your favorite TV show or movie?

A: My favorite TV show is Grey’s Anatomy.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity or athlete?

A: My favorite athlete is Carli Lloyd!

Q: Do you frequently use social media? If so, which one do you prefer?

A: I have all social media accounts, but the ones I use the most are Instagram and Facebook.

Q: What is a little known fact about you or hidden talent?

A: Hidden talent: I learned how to juggle in fifth grade!