Stories From Parkland: Alyssa Alhadeff

In the weeks following the deadliest high school shooting in United States history, editors and reporters for Lifestyle reached out to dozens of people whose lives were forever altered by what happened inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14. We interviewed the officer who made the arrest and the sheriff who’s under fire. We spoke to student activists and students from a high school in west Boca Raton who walked 12 miles in a show of solidarity. We met survivors of a mass shooting in Orlando and survivors from the third floor at MSD. We attended an emotional town hall with members of the Parkland community. And we listened as grieving parents and heartbroken friends and family told us about their loved ones.

We’re deeply honored to share their words with our readers.

ALYSSA ALHADEFF
Age 14

On the night of Feb. 13, the Parkland travel soccer team played Coral Springs United. It was a low-scoring game, but, led by Alyssa Alhadeff, their team captain and center midfielder, Parkland came away with a 1-0 victory.

Alyssa was visibly elated, which was not unusual for the upbeat, gregarious high school freshman. She was high-fiving, smiling and excitedly talking about the team’s next game.
“Alyssa was a great soccer player and an awesome leader of our team,” says Raquel Alvarado, Alyssa’s friend and teammate. “She made friends with everyone, everywhere we went. She kept great grades, she was on the debate team and was really good at it. She had a great social life, she spent time with her family, she was a really good friend—and she did it all at the same time. She was good at everything.”

No matter who you talk to—family, friends, classmates, neighbors—the consensus is unanimous: Even going back to her early childhood in New Jersey, Alyssa always was the smart, talented, big-hearted girl with the million-dollar smile.

“We traveled a lot for soccer, and Alyssa was always the one who entertained us and kept our spirits up,” Alvarado says. “She had a cute style, a great sense of humor, and she always had a story to tell. Even if it wasn’t a great one, she still made us laugh because of how she told it. And she was really devoted to her friends. Once she practiced for a month to dance at her friend’s quinceañera.”

Alvarado says Alyssa, who was an honors student, liked helping people and volunteered at homeless shelters and thought she wanted to be a doctor.

“She was great with the kids. In all the pictures, she’s smiling really big.”

Alyssa had such an impact on her peers that her fellow students, and captains of the Stoneman Douglas girls soccer team, appealed to the U.S. women’s national soccer team to honor Alyssa’s memory at their March 7 match against England at Orlando City Stadium. The national team agreed.
The U.S. team hosted Alyssa’s family and her teammates—and held a moment of silence in her honor.

—Lisa Lucas

You May Also Like
MS Focus on Fashion Offers a Night of Elegance and Empowerment for People With Multiple Sclerosis

The company has worked in the community for nearly 40 years.

Read More
MS Event
Annual Conine All-Star Golf Classic Benefits Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation

The event has raised more than $8.5 million for the Conine Clubhouse.

Read More
Conine Golf Classic
Alec Ingold’s Gifts In Gold Campaign Plans to Build Playground for SOS Children’s Villages Florida

The Miami Dolphins fullback was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

Read More
Gifts in Gold
Olivier Salon and Spa Hosts Santa’s Workshop to Benefit Kids in Distress

The community is invited to spread joy and give back this holiday season.

Read More
KIDS
Other Posts
Finalists Announced for 14th Annual Community Care Plan Nonprofit Awards

The event is hosted by 211 Broward and held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Read More
Community Awards
Experience Penthouse Luxury With La Maison at Aire Residences

The penthouse is designed to maximize space and comfort, featuring larger than typical expansive balconies.

Read More
Aire Residences
Discover the Epitome of Modern Luxury Living in Harbour Inlet

The residence was built by the renowned Robert Garza and designed by Bruce Celenski.

Read More
Harbour Inlet