Canyon del Oro's Alanna Pawlowski dives for a ball at practice on Monday. The senior has committed to Penn State next season.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

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Canyon del Oro senior goalkeeper Alanna Pawlowski, 17, likes the responsibility that comes with her longtime position.

"It feels good coming out of game knowing you had a few great saves that kept your team in it," she said.

Pawlowski has been in goal since she started playing soccer about eight years ago. "The coach said, 'Who wants to be goalkeeper,'" she said. "Everyone raised their hand."

She excelled at the position from the start.

"At that age, there was not much technique involved but I guess I was the best at it," said Pawlowski, one of four team captains for the Dorados this season.

After visiting Penn State in October, she signed a letter of intent with the Nittany Lions, the nine-time reigning Big Ten champions.

"I'm hoping to just continue their tradition of great goalkeepers," Pawlowski said. Her focus turned to Penn State after attending a soccer camp there about a year and a half ago.

"I've been interested in East Coast schools my whole life," she said.

The Tucson native, who is also involved with the school newspaper, selected Penn State from a short list of schools that also included Boston University and the Pennsylvania.

Why did you choose Penn State?

"The coaching staff, the team and just their outstanding soccer. Their assistant coach is actually their goalkeeping coach. He used to live in Tucson. When he lived here, we did a goalkeeping training session together. I already know him and have the Tucson connection."

"I'll miss my friends and family and the beautiful scenery. … Tucson weather is not something I'm going to miss."

You are in your last season with the Dorados. As team captain, what do you hope the team will accomplish this year?

"We're just looking to improve upon last year. We are a promising team with 10 seniors who have been playing together since our freshman year. We are just looking to make an impact. … We are looking to re-establish the CDO reputation."

"One of the differences is that you don't get as long to train with each other in high school. You can't really practice throughout the year and there are a variety of ages not just one age group. At CDO, it's a little more relaxed than my club team. … The level of intensity is lower (in high school) but it gives you a chance to focus on team chemistry."

Do you plan to play after college?

"I'm not really sure. It depends on how I do at Penn State. It also depends on what I choose to major in because I want to go on to graduate school later. So, I don't know, maybe. I'll see what happens. If I decide I really love soccer and can't imagine my life without it, then maybe I'll try to get to the next level."

Amphitheater: Ashley Hunt, Jr.; Victoria Klocko, Sr.; Sierra Vista Buena: Amber Barss, Sr.; Jen Ransford, Sr.; Canyon del Oro: Alanna Pawlowski, Sr.; Antoinette Sauber, Sr.; Catalina: Kate Raub, Jr.; Sophia Whigham, Jr.; Catalina Foothills: Alex Balcer, So.; LeAnn Felder, Jr.; Katie McDermott, Sr.; Cholla: Alejandra Gracia, Sr.; Arianna Gracia, Sr.; Cienega: Karina Camacho, Sr.; Kayla Forrest, Sr.; Desert View: Erica Mata, Jr.; Maria Silva, Jr.; Douglas: Justine Godoy, Sr.; Jennifer Smith, Sr.; Flowing Wells: Michaela Izzo, Sr.; Ironwood Ridge: Tommie Graham, Sr.; Laura Hakel, Sr.; Simone Nelson, Sr.; Marana: Elaine Lauslusa, Jr.; Katelyn Mincer, Sr.; Mountain View: Lynn Garnaat, Sr.; Megan Wilbe, Sr.; Nogales: Anna Montt, Sr.; Alexandra Wodka, Jr.; Palo Verde: Keosha Mith, Sr.; Ebriana Moore, Sr.; Adrianna Phininzy, Sr.; Pueblo: Iris Salgado, Sr.; Jessica Switzer, Sr.. Rincon: Heather Burke, Sr.; Ellie Kidder, Sr.; Rio Rico: Daniela Garcia, Jr.; Aileen Giron, Sr.; Sabino: Brandy Carr, Sr.; Rachel Krenzer, So.; Sahuaro: Jackie Frazier, Sr.; Chanice Kittrell, Sr.; Salpointe Catholic: Alana Clark, Sr.; Kristen Touche.; Santa Rita: Leah Rosales, Sr.; Kelsey Veitel, So.; Sunnyside: Paula Arroyave, Jr.; Tanna Sanders, So.; Melian Trujillo, Jr.; Tucson: Tanisha Kendrick, Sr.; Stefanie Loh, Sr.; Emily Shuta, Jr.