By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Abby Dalessandro plays with recognizable skill and inspiring amount of creativity that can only be achieved through a high level of understanding for the game.

And as much as those two characteristics stand out, there are still identifiable adjectives that could be used to describe the Aurora senior’s style of play: Energy and enthusiasm.

In fact, Dalessandro giggled when she said, “I think my parents first put in soccer because I loved to run and had a ton of energy and soccer was a way to give me an outlet to get some of all that out.”

She has never stopped since.

The enthusiasm piece probably would have materialized on its own in some capacity, but it was accelerated and elevated through head coach Domenica McClintock.

McClintock, who has led the Greenmen varsity program since 2016, has coached Dalessandro for each of those 10 seasons, beginning with the Aurora United girls travel program before reaching the high-school level.

“I first started playing for Coach Domenica when I was 6 years old. She has been my coach for so long, and I am really lucky for that,” said Dalessandro, whose nickname is Jo. “She trusts me with a lot, and I trust her with everything.

“One of things I remember most about when she first started coaching us when we were little was to hone in on all of the little details,” Dalessandro said. “She wanted us to get things right from the start so that we did not develop any bad habits.”

Dalessandro was certainly listening.

She has been a plug-and-play starter since her freshman season, where she played the majority of the time as a holding mid and has since made the move to attacking mid.

Regardless of where she is on the field, McClintock, as well as her teammates, know that she is going to deliver.

“She is one of the most dynamic and versatile players on our roster,” Aurora’s veteran coach said. “She is a true catalyst in both attack and defense. She serves as a central figure in our playmaking efforts.

“Her vision and composure allow her to consistently build plays and break down opposing defenses, making her one of the most impactful players on the field,” McClintock continued.

Naturally, a player of that magnitude brings attention from the opposition, but McClintock allows Dalessandro, a team captain, the freedom to play on without limitations, trusting that her standout midfielder will continue to be disruptively creative.

“Despite the added attention from opposing teams, Jo remains one of our most consistent and dependable players,” McClintock said. “As one of our two core midfielders, she not only creates scoring chances for her teammates, but also isn’t afraid to take decisive shots herself.”

It’s a style of Dalessandro’s game that exists regardless of the opponent, no matter what time of the game it is or what the score is.

Though, it did require a build up, game by game, during her freshman year.

“I think I felt comfortable on the field as a freshman and even as a starter, but I was lucky to have a great group of teammates who encouraged me and it helped build my confidence game by game,” Dalessandro said.

McClintock has now seen it from a front-row seat for a decade.

“Jo’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments has been crucial in tight games — particularly during transition play against top-tier opponents. Her influence is so significant that she is often man-marked or double-teamed in an effort to neutralize her passing range, control of the midfield and defensive reliability.”

Failed attempts, almost always, by the opposition.

For reasons that few players can checkmark: Top-level skill combined with layered creativity joined with her trademark playing style of energetic enthusiasm.

Recognizable indeed.