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Ryelee Mullen
Through the first half of her senior season, Ryelee Mullen has provided Northern Lebanon with a strong presence in goal. Known to her teammates and those around her as “Rye,” Mullen’s play has helped anchor the Vikings as they have battled their way to a 5-4-2 record, with the senior recording 49 saves and helping her team post 3 shutouts.
Her importance was especially evident during the week of September 6th, when Northern Lebanon navigated 3 matches without a loss. The Vikings earned a victory over Solanco before battling Donegal and Tri-Valley to draws. Mullen made 8 saves against Solanco and followed with 9 saves in a scoreless draw against Donegal.
“We definitely played some tough teams, but I worked hard, stayed focused, and gave my best effort in everything I was responsible for,” said Mullen. “I made sure to stay consistent, help others when I could, and keep a positive attitude.”
Those efforts earned Mullen LebCo Athlete of the Week honors.
For Vikings head coach Jeff Snyder, Mullen’s performance reflects the effort he sees from her on a regular basis.
“Ryelee works hard at practice and gives the game everything she has,” Snyder said. “She deserves to be recognized for those efforts.”
Mullen’s senior season has also been a reflection of how much she has grown during her time at Northern Lebanon. Confidence was not always something that came naturally to her, particularly while playing a position where every decision can have an immediate impact on the game.
“I was never really a confident player, but I feel like the past year my mindset has changed,” Mullen said. “I’m way more confident in goal than I have been the past 3 years.”
That change in mindset has shaped the goals she set entering her final season. Rather than focusing solely on saves or shutouts, Mullen made a commitment to continue playing to the best of her ability regardless of the challenges that come her way. With this being her senior year, she also wants to make the season memorable.
Part of that means doing her job for the teammates around her. Mullen sees communication, dependability, and supporting others as important parts of her role with the Vikings, while remaining focused on the goals they share as a team.
Several people have helped her develop along the way. Mullen specifically credits Coach Ashlyn Messinger for pushing her to become a better player over the past 2 years, along with Coach Snyder, Coach Alicia, and Coach Sara.
“I wouldn’t be half the player I am if it weren’t for Coach Messinger continuing to push me to play my best,” said Mullen.
Soccer may be Mullen’s only school sport, but it is hardly her only athletic pursuit. Away from the soccer field, she is a barrel racer, combining her competitive side with a lifelong connection to horses.
That connection comes naturally for someone who has grown up on a dairy farm. When Mullen is not training, she can often be found helping on the farm, working with horses and other animals, or spending time with family and friends.
Her love of animals is also shaping what she hopes to do after high school. Mullen plans to become certified in equine and canine massage therapy with the eventual goal of starting her own business.
Athletics have long been part of her family as well. Mullen’s aunt, Summer (Mullen) Arthur, played basketball at what was then Philadelphia Biblical University, now Cairn University, and was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Honor. Her uncle, Tom Arthur, also played basketball at PBU. Mullen’s sisters play soccer, while her brother plays baseball, continuing a strong family connection to athletics.
For Mullen, some of the best parts of competing have little to do with statistics or final scores. She enjoys the adrenaline and excitement that come with succeeding, but the relationships built along the way have been just as meaningful.
“What I enjoy most are the friendships that are created over the four years playing together,” Mullen explained.
Those 4 years have also brought considerable growth for “Rye.” Now, as a senior, she is playing with greater confidence while giving Northern Lebanon a dependable last line of defense.
With 49 saves, 3 shutouts, and plenty of soccer still ahead, Mullen has an opportunity to make her final season with the Vikings exactly what she hoped it would be: memorable.
Congratulations to Rye on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Vikings throughout the remainder of the season.
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Kai Speaks
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