Growing up with three older siblings, all very involved in the Lethbridge athletic community, it is no surprise that a young girl would follow in their footsteps. Embarking on her soccer career early, she first stepped out onto the field at age nine, wearing royal blue and white.
Improving her skills and feeding her passion, Allie Trimble made her first appearance representing her hometown in the U-12 tier one with the Lethbridge Chargers. Coach Gary Saler recognized Trimble as being very coachable and a leader, placing her in the midfield position.
That season the Chargers brought home gold from provincials and were known not only as the come-back-kids, but the team to beat.
The years passed and Allie, now facing young adulthood, was challenged with the death of a teammate after a long struggle with brain cancer at age 12.
“Losing Stephanie to cancer so young was hard to deal with… you never expect it to happen to someone so close to you,” says Trimble.
The loss of a teammate could stifle the dreams of most, but the knowledge of her friend’s love and passion of the game only increased her drive and determination.
“Every time I step on the field for a game, I always play for her…seeing the way she fought and continued to stay strong makes me want to push and fight in every single game,” says Trimble.
Over the years Trimble and the Lethbridge Chargers continued to bring home the gold, conquering tournaments in Calgary and Red Deer, as well as crossing the border to take on American opponents in Spokane and Kalispell.
In 2008 the Charger name retired, and the Lethbridge Football Club (LFC) emerged. Bonds were built and a family-like relationship was formed between the players and coaches.
“Allie has always been a part of our family and she always will be…so I guess that makes Allie my extra daughter,” says coach Saler.
Representing Lethbridge for the past decade, Trimble has now continued her local legacy at the post-secondary level here at Lethbridge College.
“I wanted to continue to play soccer at a highly competitive level…there are also girls on the team whom I’ve played with since we were little,” says Trimble.
Women’s Kodiak soccer coach Mike Racz first coached Allie when she played U-16 soccer with the LFC, and knew she would be a good fit for the program.
“Allie has played at a very competitive level of soccer and hockey…this experience is a valuable asset to her and is an important characteristic we look for in players,” says Racz.
With three wins in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) south division under their belt, Trimble continues to showcase her skills with the Kodiaks.
“She is a very technically and tactically adept player…very committed to the team and always works hard at practice,” says Racz.
Finding balance between athletics and academics has proven to be tougher than expected for Trimble, who is enrolled in General Studies, but her love for the game triumphs over the challenge.
“Having a great group of girls and coaches makes me love the game so much more…. always going to practice knowing you’re going to have a good time and get better each day makes it easier,” says Trimble.
She and the Kodiaks will continue their season on Oct. 18, 2014 taking on the SAIT Trojans.