Getting to Know | Alanna Locast of SoccerGrlProbs
Q: How would you describe a typical day in your shoes?
A: A typical day usually begins with a workout at 5:45 am (never gets any easier to wake up at that time) where I’ll either do Crossfit or train on my own. Then I commute into NYC to work on SoccerGrlProbs with Carly and Shannon. Our day at work is always something different; some days are strictly computer work, other days are shipping out orders, or shooting videos, or editing, or traveling to events. After that, I commute back home and head to my local gym where I am a Strength and Conditioning coach for children ages 7-21.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your soccer career?
A: I have a lot of good memories and special moments from soccer, but what stands out most in my mind are the friendships with teammates and the memories made with those friends.
Q: What is your favorite hometown restaurant?
A: I’m a breakfast person. I could eat breakfast for any meal of the day, so all of my favorite restaurants are brunch places by me. I’d have to say Jam in Massapequa is my go-to breakfast place!
Q: Who is your soccer idol?
A: I have forever been a Mia Hamm fan since I was big enough to fit into the tiniest Washington Freedom Hamm jersey they made. I have idolized her work ethic, composure and genuineness all my life. I got the chance to meet her at the Women’s World Cup in Canada a few years ago when she came to one of our pick-up games and it completely made me idolize her all over again. She is the real deal!
Q: What is something that most people do not know about you?
A: Most people do not know that I was also a collegiate Sprinter and Long Jumper for Adelphi University’s Track and Field Team after soccer ended and I graduated from Fairfield University. It was something I had never tried before until the age of 22, but I had an amazing coach who saw a lot of potential in me.
Q: Do you have any siblings? If so, tell us about them.
A: I have one younger brother named Anthony. We have a lot of the same interests and career goals. We are both very into fitness and health and helping people become healthier versions of themselves. We both got our master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology too! I must say I’ve always been jealous of Anthony’s freakish strength/athleticism as well as how personable he is and how well he connects with people.
Q: If you could fly anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
A: Definitely Australia. I will have to take a trip there one of these days!
Q: What do you enjoy doing most with your family?
A: We love going to the movies! Reclining comfy seats, popcorn, candy, the whole nine yards!
Q: What is your favorite quote? What does it mean to you?
A: I am a quote hoarder. I have them saved everywhere, all over my computer and phone. It is very hard for me to just choose one, but I’ll keep it simple… “I need to believe that only I can chase my dreams. That only I can light the fire in me. That no one can break me unless I break myself and only someone else can help me carry the pieces. I need to believe that I am different and I am full of love. And if I live every moment believing, then the chaos in my heart will be a beautiful thing and the world will never cease to forget my name.” –r.m. drake
Q: How old were you when you started playing soccer?
A: I actually started playing soccer a little later than most. I believe I started around age 9!
Q: Who is your favorite actor/actress?
A: Jim Carey will forever be a favorite of mine. Not many people make me laugh like he does.
Q: What is your favorite emoji?
A: The monkey with his hands over his eyes. I’m not sure why, but my gut said to go with that one.
Q: Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 on how happy you are on a daily basis: (1 being the least, 10 being the happiest).
A: My spectrum is all over the place. I have my bright days and I have my dark swings. But whether it is a happy day, or a sad day, the one thing I’ll always try to remain is grateful. Because as bad as things may seem sometimes, if you remain grateful for the hundreds, even thousands of tiny little things that go right throughout each and every day, it doesn’t seem so bad after all.
Q: If you could have one super power, what would you chose and why?
A: This is a hard question. I would have to say I wish I had a photographic memory. I love learning and further educating myself, but my memory is atrocious! I would love to be able to look at pages and photos and people and be able to recall every single detail.
Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: His name is John Kim and he goes by the alias “The Angry Therapist”. He writes books about finding and living your own truth.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would you chose and why?
A: The jobs that I have now! How lucky am I?
Q: If you could tell your 12-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
A: I would most definitely assure my 12-year old self that the worst thing I could be, is just like everyone else. Now, I never really wanted to fit in as a kid, and stuck out like a sore thumb dressed like a tomboy and being the only girl playing sports and games with all the boys. I was different and I was aware I was different. So it wasn’t so much that I ever changed myself to try and fit what other people wanted me to be, but it was always a thought in my mind that burdened me; almost as if I felt I were doing something wrong by being different. I wish someone could have reassured me that the best thing I could be is different. It is something I am most proud of today.