For underclassmen especially, Nilles is a resource who has helped ease their transition and shape their experience within the program.
“My freshman year was difficult, but I always knew I had Alyssa in my corner,” said Zganjar. “She reached out to me often, and not just to check in on me, but to really get to know me. It didn’t take much, we hung out and talked a lot outside of practice. I think one of Alyssa's most impactful qualities is that she is never judgmental. Not only that, but she is supportive and honest.”
“She is someone I know I can go to about anything, and she will give me her undivided support,” said sophomore defender Deirdre Brown. “As an upperclassman, her guidance has helped me navigate through the ups and downs of college lacrosse.”
Nilles began her career at AU in 2022, and her attitude was evident from the beginning.
“From the moment Alyssa stepped on campus, her maturity stood out well beyond her years,” said Teeters.
However, it took time for the Park Ridge, Illinois native to figure out how she could best contribute within her new family in Washington, D.C.
“It took me a while to understand what my role on the team would be,” said Nilles. “Of course, I just wanted to be on the field, and for a while I felt like I couldn’t help the team or provide any value if I wasn’t.”
She had some challenging conversations with the coaching staff about her place on the team, but it was Nilles’ reaction to the adverse situation that showed her uniquely empathetic character. Despite hearing that her chances to contribute on the field would be limited, she chose to see the situation as an opportunity to embrace a role. Nilles was not discouraged or deflated, but uplifted.
“I realized how much [the coaching staff] cared about me and valued me when we had these conversations because they were so honest and supportive,” said Nilles. “They pushed me to not only understand my role, but to be confident in my ability to make a difference in it.”
How she could contribute became clearer, and it had more to do with how she affected her teammates than anything else.
“I was able to see a bigger picture and realize that I didn’t need to get playing time to bring energy, bring the team closer together, or work my hardest every day,” said Nilles. “By doing this consistently, it became clear that a major part of my role was making my teammates better, and I truly wanted the best for them.”
While her supportive nature may be most prominent, Nilles does not lack a fierce and competitive drive. Nilles thrives in intense moments and relentlessly pushes her teammates, as her work ethic during practice and weight room sessions often inspires others to match her effort.
“She pushes everyone to be better in every drill, no matter the simplicity or difficulty of it,” said Prendergast. “Alyssa leads by example when she shows up prepared to work, to learn from others, to actively make changes to better her game, and to never fail to cheer on her teammates and offer them the support they need.”
“There isn’t a week that goes by that I don't see [Nilles] putting in extra work outside of practice,” said Zganjar.
While Nilles has not filled her career stat sheet with goals, assists, and milestones, she’s an unseen and vital contributor to the efforts of those who have.
“She uplifts me, holds me accountable, and motivates me to work harder,” said Spratt, who’s recorded over 150 points in her stellar career. “She helps me see and understand our team from a different perspective, offering help with how to best serve my teammates while still prioritizing my own needs. Her impact is measured by the success of everyone around her, because I wouldn’t be able to do what I’ve done on the field without Alyssa.”
It’s not just support and a competitive standard in practice that Nilles offers either. A high IQ player, the defender helps her teammates in the midfield and on attack get ready for every matchup.
“It’s another way that I try to be a leader,” said Nilles. I help prepare our attack by watching film and knowing the scout with as much intensity and attention to detail as I can.”
Her intensity carries over to game day, when Nilles is locked in to the run of play and keeping the sideline focused alongside her.
“Alyssa leads our ‘flag’ call,” said Prendergast. “When we are on the attacking end, the sign of a referee’s flag is easy to miss, but it is incredibly important to communicate it to our teammates on the field. Alyssa is always the first or the only player to notice and call this out, simultaneously encouraging those around her to do the same. This is just one example of the reliability and sharpness Alyssa has that brings contagious energy to her teammates around her.”
“You often hear the loudest voices on the field, but it’s just as important for the culture of the program—and for each individual—to recognize that every role matters, regardless of statistical output,” said Teeters. “Alyssa embodies that message on game day especially. Her energy and enthusiasm on the sideline is contagious, and she’s a constant source of support and spirit.”
When there are challenges, distractions, or low moments, Nilles’ consistently positive attitude drives a grounding reminder home to her teammates, one that helps them remember why they are all together in the first place.
“Being on the sideline with [Nilles] during games gives me so much energy, no matter what the score is, and seeing her excitement reminds me and the team why we are all here: because we love lacrosse,” said Zganjar.
“I try to show up to a practice or game grateful for each day and excited to be out there with my best friends and coaches,” said Nilles. “I think that kind of energy helps to lift my teammates when they’re down.”
Nilles’ presence on game day has become so essential to the group’s identity that if she’s not there, it’s felt by the team as whole. There’s a clear piece missing without her on the sideline, like a team’s top goal scorer missing from its attacking unit.
“Two years ago, we introduced a travel roster for our overnight trips, which meant making some tough decisions,” said Coach Teeters. “On one occasion, Alyssa wasn’t selected to travel. But it didn’t take long to realize the impact of that choice. Alyssa is the glue—her energy on the sideline is unmatched. After that game, it became crystal clear: I could never leave her behind again. She brings something invaluable to our game-day environment that goes far beyond the stat sheet.”
