Alyx Farris ’21 has been an important member for the Knox Women’s soccer program in the past three seasons. She has been a part of three regular-season Midwest Conference Championships and two Midwest Conference Tournament Championships. Farris has been a key player in the midfield, especially this past season. She recorded six goals and two assists for a total of 14 points for the 2019 season and was named Midwest Conference First Team. In her 2018 season, Farris recorded two goals and three assists for a total of seven points. Farris also served as a captain in the 2019 season.
Why did you decide to come to Knox?
Knox seemed so much more authentic than other institutions that I spoke to. Knox was the only school that asked if I wanted to speak with a professor and when I emailed professors with questions they were extremely responsive and transparent. Knox was a chance to play soccer competitively while prioritizing my studies. Knox felt right for me.
You are graduating after this fall, what are your plans for after graduation?
Actually, I decided against graduating after fall term. I’m going to stay for my whole senior year. I’ve always envisioned myself attending graduate school for Art History or Arts Education. I want to work in any realm of the visual arts that focuses on education and emphasizes access. I really enjoy working with teenagers. I might search for internships before graduate school to figure out if I want to focus on administration in the arts or if I want to work more closely with students.
What has been your favorite memory on the women’s soccer team?
Every dance party that we have in the locker room before games or practice, but especially before games. Just uninhibited excitement. It helps with pre-game nerves certainly but it’s my favorite because every single time I’m reminded of the bright, funny, and loving women that surround me on the women’s team.
If you could give your freshman self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my freshman self to approach every situation with a more open mind and remind myself that I don’t know anything. I would encourage myself to make mistakes. You don’t really learn anything if you think you already have yourself figured out or if you don’t take some risks.
What have you learned about yourself since freshman year?
I learned how much I love people. All people. I came into college thinking I would be really independent, was more interested in my future studies than the people I would meet. The truth is the relationships that I’ve formed here, relationships of all levels, are what I’m going to remember and what had the most immediate impact on me.
What have you taken away from being a student-athlete at Knox?
Playing soccer at Knox has really shaped who I am and what I value. I’m a much more driven and competitive person than before. I understand better the importance of community, the importance of cultivating a healthy culture in whatever space you’re in. Being part of a team, I’ve become less self-absorbed and more sympathetic, which in turn has made me a better communicator. Knox athletics has really given a lot to me.
Who from Knox has helped you the most along the way? In what way?
At any moment, I had 20+ intelligent and ambitious women to turn to. Every single teammate has taught me something different. There are some really amazing women in Knox athletics. Taylor, Annie, Erica, Shana, Lexie, Daniella…there are still more I’m missing! There’s no way I could say one singular person has helped me the most.
What else are you involved in outside of women’s soccer at Knox or back home?
I work for the Office of Admission coordinating prospective student visits. I’m also Co-Chair of the Honor Board. Both positions involve a lot of networking and building relationships. I speak to so many different people and that’s my favorite part of Knox.
***Story courtesy of Knox College***
