By: Kyle Heckler
PHILADELPHIA - From scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to clinch the 2022 CAA Championship, to enduring the heartbreak of an ACL tear just a week into fall practice later that year, and now stepping into her role as Drexel University's team captain for the 2025 season, Allison Drake’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and an unyielding passion for the game.
Drake’s lacrosse career began at Easton Middle School and continued at Easton Area High School. A multi-sport athlete, she also played club soccer and participated in cheerleading before deciding to focus on lacrosse. By the time she graduated, Drake had amassed more than 100 career goals, earned four varsity letters, and was twice named to the EPC (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference) All-Star team, as well as a three-time All-Area performer.
Allison Drake, graduate lacrosse player at Drexel University, on the sideline during a game in 2024. - Photo by Kyle Heckler
Despite her high school accolades, Drake entered her senior year with no Division I offers. That changed when Drexel’s then-head coach, Jill Batcheller, invited her to attend a clinic. Impressed with her performance, Batcheller extended an offer. Although she considered attending Penn State, Temple, or Stevens Institute of Technology without playing lacrosse, Drake ultimately chose Drexel.
Arriving at Drexel in the fall of 2019, Drake enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, pursuing a degree in interactive digital media. Outside of lacrosse, she gained professional experience working for Vanguard, Ultimate Girls Lacrosse, and Katalyst Productions in roles ranging from UX researcher to social media manager.
On the field, Drake quickly became a standout. Over 46 games, she tallied 70 goals — including three game-winners — along with 10 assists, 32 groundballs, and nine caused turnovers. Her crowning moment came in 2022 when she was named to the CAA All-Tournament team after scoring the overtime goal that secured Drexel’s first-ever CAA Championship.
The triumph was short-lived. Just a week into fall practice that same year, Drake suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
“I was dodging around the crease and got bumped really hard,” Drake said. “I wasn’t anticipating the contact, and when I landed, my knee completely blew out. When I went down, I kind of felt like it was over for me. No one wanted to tell me how bad it was, but they could hear the pop from 30 yards away.”
Drake’s road to recovery was grueling. She detailed her experience on professional lacrosse player Kylie Ohlmiller’s "Dream On" podcast, sharing how the physical and mental challenges of her injury tested her resolve.
“Having Kylie — I never thought I’d be in the position to work with someone who was a professional athlete — and having her see potential in me was huge,” Drake said. “It helped me feel less alone, because essentially, we were recovering together.”
By 2024, Drake returned stronger than ever. She recorded a career-high 45 points, including six goals in a single game against VCU, and earned All-CAA Second Team honors.
After completing her undergraduate degree in the spring, Drake entered the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. She ultimately chose to stay at Drexel for her sixth and final year.
“She wanted to make a difference here at Drexel on and off the field, and she has definitely done that,” said assistant coach Katrina Geiger. “She’s been one of the main people behind the way this program has changed over the past five years.”
Returning to Drexel marked significant changes for Drake. Associate head coach Alyssa Guido left to lead Colgate, with Ana White stepping in from Rutgers. Academically, Drake pivoted from interactive digital media to pursue an MBA.
Earlier this year, her teammates voted her a team captain for the 2025 season — a fitting role for the program’s longest-tenured player, whose leadership has been a constant.
“I just feel really grateful that my teammates trust me to guide them through this part of their lives,” Drake said. “I’ve been here for six years, so I hope I can pass on what I’ve learned from the leaders I’ve had. It’s cool to care about lacrosse, so why not have fun and care about it?”
Allison Drake during pre-game warmups in 2024. - Photo by Kyle Heckler
Head coach Katie O’Donnell praised Drake’s versatility and impact.
“Allie’s contributions have spanned many perspectives — from her on-field efforts to her leadership during her injury year,” O’Donnell said. “She’s taken on a new role where her experience complements everything she does.”
Looking ahead, Drake has clear goals for her final season.
“I want to win CAAs for sure,” Drake said. “I want to let everyone know that our win in 2022 wasn’t just a one-off. This year, I’m putting less pressure on myself. I want to cherish the time I have with these people. Winning is nice, but the people make the place.”
No matter how the 2025 season unfolds, Drake will leave behind a lasting legacy and a void that will be hard to fill.
Drake and Drexel open their 2025 campaign on Feb. 8 at UConn.