By Jim Lockwood
Staff Writer

It's perhaps the worst-kept secret in New Hampshire high school girls soccer: The powerful shot of Hooksett's

Alyssa Thayer.

But next year, the Manchester West senior will be using her exceptional talent to surprise opponents at the college level.

The 17-year-old verbally committed to a full scholarship at Siena College, a Division I school in Loudon, N.Y. "It's the hottest shot I've ever seen in New Hampshire," said 29-year West head coach Jack Amero. "She has excellent technique.

West's Alyssa Thayer of Hooksett, perhaps the state's top girls high school soccer player, verbally committed to attend Siena College next fall and play soccer on full scholarship. The local standout is attempting to help West win its third state title in four years. (Jim Lockwood Photo)

She has tremendous physical strength in her legs and upper body that adds to the rocket she possesses."

Even from 35 to 40 yards away from the goal, Thayer owns the rare ability to put the ball in net, Amero added.

The West mentor recalled a preliminary-round Class L tournament game against Portsmouth two years ago.

With the Blue Knights battling in a scoreless tie, Thayer received a pass roughly 40 yards from Portsmouth's net. Rather than sending the ball along to a teammate, she took the shot and gave West the lead en route to victory.

However, Thayer said she knew she couldn't just rely on her shot to be successful in high school.

"When I was younger, it helped me score goals," Thayer said. "No one could stop me because I was so strong. But when I got older, everyone knew I had a shot and it forced me to work on other aspects of my game instead of being one-dimensional."

In her sophomore campaign, the local standout paid particular attention to distributing the ball and placing passes in specific spots on the field.

Along with her scoring ability, Thayer could also find tremendous success in college having played in the Blue Knights. program for four years.

West won Class L state championships in her freshman and junior seasons. In her sophomore season, the squad advanced to the Final Four before its undefeated campaign was interrupted by Queen City rival Manchester Central.

Since Thayer has played a key role in West's game plans, the head coach said she's learned how to be a leader on the field.

If she was the lone talent on a weaker team, it would be much easier for opponents to defend her, Amero added.

When opponents face West, defenders can't just concern themselves with marking Thayer; they also have to keep an eye on several of the state's other topflight players.

Competing for the Blue Knights also familiarized the center midfielder with playing for a premiere team. And Siena, like West, is a contender in its conference.

Last year, the Saints went 10-8-1 and had a 7-1-1 record in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Due to NCAA regulations, Siena head coach Steve Karbowski couldn't comment on Thayer's verbal commitment to the school until she signs her letter of intent the first week of February 2006.

Thayer said she chose Siena because of Karbowski's leadership and personality. She also liked the small class size.

The Hooksett resident made her college decision after ruling out partial scholarships from UNH and the University of Maine-Orono, as well as full rides from Canisius, Iona and UNC-Wilmington.

Thayer said she wants to major in sports marketing. In the future, she wants to be a college soccer coach.

"I was so comfortable with (Karbowski). He's so personable. He put the program in the right direction," said Thayer, who anticipates playing center midfield for the Saints. "When it comes to the classroom, I'd rather be learning with 25 kids instead of 250."