Women's Soccer | 12/20/2024 10:04:42 AM
Skyler O'Malley recently wrapped up her junior season as a member of the Elmira College women's soccer team. She serves as President of Elmira's Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). O'Malley, a back and midfielder, finished the 2024 season appearing in 14 games while registering two shots on the season while staying strong on the defensive front for the the Soaring Eagles, who advanced to the Empire 8 Tournament for the first time since 2005.
A native of Scotia NY, O'Malley, in addition to being SAAC President at Elmira, has earned numerous academic awards. She was a 2023 CSC Academic All-District team member and is currently in the Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society. She is the historian of Tri Alpha Honors Society and is the Hospital Relations Coordinator for the Elmira College Dance Marathon.
Skyler O'Malley - Empire 8 Emerging Leader
Institution: Elmira College
Sport: Women's Soccer
SAAC Role: President
Major: Nursing
GPA: 3.73
Community Service Projects:
I volunteered at the local SPCA and work and run Elmira College Dance Marathon.
Who is a Leader Who Has Made an Impact on You and Why?
My mom is the leader who has made an impact on me my whole life and continues to do so. She has taught me how to be the person I am today. She has shown me what it means to be selfless and put others before yourself, which is one of the most important things a leader needs to be able to do. Although a mom may not be the typical image of a leader, my mom is. She had five kids and raised them all to be hard working, kind and self-sufficient. I am who I am, am the leader I am, because of her. I learned everything I know from her. I am the oldest in my family so I didn't have an older sibling to look up to, I only had her and I am so lucky and grateful to have been able to have that growing up.
What Type of Leader Are You?
I am a leader who leads with my voice and actions. I am loud on the field, I am upbeat and hardworking both on and off the field, I give everything I do 110 percent and encourage my fellow teammates to do the same.
What Makes a Great Leader?
I believe good communication, hard work, determination, a good heart, optimism and self-drive all make a great leader.
What Is a Leader's Best Asset?
A leader's best asset s their ability to put the team or whoever they are leading in front of themselves and do things for the better of the group, rather than their own self interests.
What Makes Leadership Difficult?
Leaderhip is difficult becasue you are never going to agree with everyone and there are always people who will be upset at the decisions you make, but as a leader, you must make those hard decisions for the good of everyone. It's hard to do things when you know it won't make everyone happy, but sometimes you have to as a leader.
What Does Leadership Look Like in a Team Setting?
Leadership in a team setting looks more like a group effort than one individual leading the pack, but it involves teamwork and some people sticking out to guide the group in the right direction. For instance, this could be a loud voice on the field directing the play, an encouraging voice getting the team back on track, or a reassuring voice that boosts people up when they are down. There are many different versions of a leader, but they all matter and have their own pact in different ways.
Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On:
I don't partake in internships, but I do something similar for school which is clinical. I get to work in all different kinds of hospital settings throughout my time in school and get to work with many different diseases and injuries to help a variety of people in need.
What Do You Aspire to See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years?
I hope to be settled down with my family, working in a hospital taking care of children with cancer. My plan is to head into pediatric oncology as my specialty after college.
What Are You Most Looking Forward To This Season, Both Athletically and in SAAC?
I am most excited about seeing where our team can go. We have grown so much in the last year, that I know we are going to make so much more progress in the near future, both this spring season and in the fall.
For SAAC, I am looking forward to continuing the increase in activities and participation on campus with our club as well as getting more ideas from other teams on how we can help our fellow athletes.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time at Elmira:
One of my favorite memories from soccer so far has to be the surprise visits from my family. Their support means the world to me and to look over and see them in the stands is the best feeling in the world. I remember one specifically, which was one of the last games of the season and my sister had told me she couldn't come to the game, but then at the end of the game I saw her sitting in the stands with my mom and grandparents and it made me so happy! My family is everything to me and it's hard to be away from home, so those little moments truly mean so much.
Favorite thing about the Empire 8:
My favorite thing about the Empire 8 is the camaraderie between each school. Yes, there is always that competitive side to each team, but after each game or when someone is hurt, you see that kindhearted side to each team and it makes you smile.
How Has Playing in the Empire 8 Prepared You for Life After College?
Playing in the Empire 8 has taught me how to be versatile. Every team we play against brings something different to the table and with that, we need to be ready for anything and everything. It has taught me how to think on my toes, it has kept me a hard worker and it has taught me how to work with a variety of people with different skill sets and personalities, showing me how to work with every one of them in different ways.
Advice to Incoming Student-Athletes or Younger Teammates?
It is hard to balance sports with school, so make sure you work on time management and plan everything out so you don't miss any assignments or get behind. Find a study habit and planning technique that works for you. It may take some time, but it will come eventually. School can also be stressful so take time for yourself if you need it, don't be afraid to ask for help or ask for a break. You matter and so does your health. Work hard and don't give up! You've got this!
E8 Dozen
1. Favorite Professional Athlete: Don't have one
2. Favorite Professional Team: Don't have one, I just enjoy watching soccer!
3. Favorite Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
4. Last TV Show You Binge Watched: 911
5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Colombian Coffee or Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
6. Last Vacation You Went On: Road trip to Ohio and Chicago
7. Dream Vacation Spot: Bora Bora or Hawaii (anywhere with a beach)
8. Favorite Singer/Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
9. If You Could Have Any Super Power, What Would It Be?: Invisibility
10. Fun-Fact About You: I am the oldest of five kids
11. Favorite Animal: Sea Turtle
12. Dream Job: Pediatric Oncology Nurse
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
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