The Sun One-on-One … with Clearview goalkeeper McKenna Dalfonso
The Pioneers junior keeper makes her pick in a South Jersey soccer mock draft, chooses an idol and a favorite soccer player, and reveals the funny way she found herself in goal for the first time as a kid
With just two regular season, non-tournament games remaining on its schedule, Clearview Regional High School girls soccer team was unbeaten in its division in the Tri-County Conference through mid-October, thanks in part to eking out a 3–2 win over an upstart Gloucester County Institute of Technology team.
Entering play on Oct. 19, Clearview was 6–0–1 in the Tri-County Royal division and 11–4–1 overall. Basically, they are sitting pretty just in time for the playoffs and could be a threat to pull off an upset in the incredibly strong South Jersey Group 4 playoff field.
One of the Pioneers’ strengths is the stability they have in goal. Junior and Division-I hopeful McKenna Dalfonso is one of the best goalies in South Jersey. She recently took time to take part in the latest edition of The SunOne-on-One.
The Sun: Have you always been a goalie?
McKenna Dalfonso: Since I was young. I started out playing forward and then I was just thrown into goal when someone had to go to the bathroom. I’ve loved it ever since.
The Sun: How old were you?
Dalfonso: I don’t know, maybe 8 or 9.
The Sun: That’s funny, just because someone went to the bathroom you’re a goalie.
Dalfonso: [Laughs]. Yeah, I was like, “OK.”
The Sun: Anyone else in your family play soccer?
Dalfonso: No. I have an older brother but he doesn’t play sports. We’re like opposites.
The Sun: I have an older brother like that, too. What’s the biggest thing a goalie can do to prepare?
Dalfonso: Just, I’m very superstitious, so I have to do the same thing every day. I just go in with confidence, I used to not have any confidence. So I just have to build it up for every game to make sure I play good.
The Sun: So what’s the №1 superstition?
Dalfonso: I have to listen to the same music, I have to wear the same headband. I always have my hair in a braid. I always put on my right cleat first.
The Sun: Same music all the time? What is it?
Dalfonso: Just rap.
The Sun: Do you play any other sports?
Dalfonso: I play basketball, but I don’t think I’m playing this year because of club soccer.
The Sun: If all of New Jersey had a pickup game tomorrow, and everyone was there, who are you picking first?
Dalfonso: Probably Riley Tiernan from Eastern. I play club with her.
The Sun: OK, I have the next pick and I have to take a goalie. Who should I pick?
Dalfonso: Me. [Laughs.]
The Sun: That’s a good answer. Where do you want to play in college, do you know yet?
Dalfonso: I’m looking. I think I want to play down South. I really like N.C. State. I went to Seton Hall last weekend and I liked it. Wherever (it feels like) my home.
The Sun: I don’t want to twist your arm, but I went to Clemson and I think they’re good.
Dalfonso: That’s a very good school.
The Sun: What’s your favorite subject in school?
Dalfonso: Gym. [laughs]
The Sun: That’s an honest answer, I like it. Do you have a favorite teacher?
Dalfonso: Can it be from any grade? I like Mr. (Bruce) Ewing. I had him from Bio last year.
The Sun: Do you have a role model?
Dalfonso: Role model? My mom (Tammy Dalfonso). She supports me every game, is always there, anything I need, she has it.
The Sun: Do you have a favorite soccer player?
Dalfonso: Jill Loyden. She retired, was on the U.S. national team. I trained with her, she has the Keeper Institute.
The Sun: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Dalfonso: Married with a family, kids playing soccer of course.
The Sun: Coaching maybe?
Dalfonso: Maybe, yeah.
The Sun: Any TV shows you’re currently into?
Dalfonso: I like “Criminal Minds.” I think I want to go into criminal justice when I’m older.
The Sun: Who is your funniest teammate?
Dalfonso: Probably Jackie Norris.
The Sun: Who is your smartest teammate?
Dalfonso: Smartest? Probably Bri Groch, she got a 1500 on her SATs.
The Sun: A 1500, that’s no joke.
Dalfonso: Yeah.
The Sun: Where is she going to college?
Dalfonso: She applied to Johns Hopkins and Rutgers.
The Sun: If you’re at the state tournament and every player gets their own entrance music, what are you picking?
Dalfonso: Probably (Meek Mill’s) “Dreams and Nightmares,” just like the Eagles walk out to. I’m a big fan of the Eagles.
For more photos from Clearview’s recent 3–2 win over GCIT, click here.
