No
one understands like a sibling does. For Holly Alexander, having her
big sister around has proven special—just as she knew it would.
Last
fall during a break in practice, the sophomore turned, smiled and wrapped
an arm around her sister, Assistant Soccer Coach Joy Ducey (nee Alexander)
as the two took a break from practice for a photo. It’s a familiar
pose.
Sister
Act
The
last five-plus years have proven to be an especially gratifying stretch
of their journey through life and sports: they played together for a
year at Rockford High School when Ducey was a senior and Alexander a
freshman, and then again at Ferris in the 2000 season before joining
forces in 2001 as player and assistant coach.
“I
loved having my sister around,” says Alexander. “She’s
was lots of fun and kept things light, but she also pushed me harder.
She wants me to continue to improve and become the best player I can.”
And that level of play was already high before playing in 16 games in
her first year as a Bulldog. In high-school Alexander was a two-time
O.K. Red Conference honoree and all-state honorable mention.
“Joy
is my sister and my best friend,” she says. “I think playing
together here at Ferris has brought us a lot closer. We not only pushed
each other, but we were also able to confide in each other because of
how close our relationship is.”
Goal-Oriented
For
her part, Ducey once wondered if she was good enough to play soccer
in college. Originally, she wanted to play at Grand Valley State University.
Choosing to pack her bags and move to Angola, Ind., to pursue her career
at Tri-State University was not an easy decision.
“It
was far away, in a different state,” she recalls. “But (the
coach) really wanted me in the program and offered me a scholarship.”
Ducey
graduated in just three years and left Tri-State with a degree in business
administration and human resources—and another year of playing
eligibility. During her time playing at TSU, she was team captain and
a tough defender on the field. She played in 60 games for Tri-State
and was best known for her toughness and leadership.
Ferris
Coach Pete Watkins cited those very qualities when he first announced
the veteran Ducey was coming to play for the Bulldogs, “Joy provides
us with two valuable commodities—experience and tenacity. She’s
a fearless defender who will create an intense, focused atmosphere within
our squad.”
Although
she saw her career shortened due to torn ligaments in her knee and was
sidelined during the team’s final game of the season against Grand
Valley, Ducey played in 12 games and started nine for Ferris. While
she would have loved the chance bring her competitiveness to bear against
the team she once wanted to play for, she has almost no regrets.
“Winning
the Grand Valley game 1-0 was awesome, but it stunk to watch,”
she says. “I wanted to play in that game so badly.”
Still,
Ferris has been a good fit.
“I
knew that Holly was going to be coming up here and Pete recruited me
to come because he wanted my leadership on the field,” she says.
New
Beginnings
Along
with the master’s degree in Information Systems Management she
earned at Ferris, Ducey has taken that leadership experience to her
new job at Technology Professionals Corporation, an IT consulting firm
in Grand Rapids, Mich., which means that Alexander will no longer have
her older sister to rely upon—except from the sidelines. “I
plan to make it to as many games as I can,” Ducey says, “It’s
great to watch Holly play, because she’s so good.”
For
Alexander’s part, it’s going to be a challenge to be out on
the field without the older sister who helped smooth not only the move
from high-school to college, but from playing mid-field to defense.
“Joy made the transition a lot more comfortable and easy to handle.
I’m going to miss her.”
Maybe
the two really aren’t headed in such separate directions after
all. Showing the same tenacity, and now gaining experience, Alexander
will be working to bring the team together. And, of course, win.
Someone
will be watching.
Sandy
Gholston is a Ferris alumnus and sports writer for the Big Rapids
Pioneer.
