By: Ken Weingartner
EDISON Marissa Allamby spent so much time rehabbing injuries over the past several years that she’s decided to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
Yet she always returned to the softball diamond despite a list of ailments that included a shoulder injury, torn knee ligament, torn cartilage, and bum ankle. No pain, no gain, as the saying goes.
As Allamby celebrated Monroe Township High School’s first ever Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament softball championship on Monday, the gain was obvious.
"It’s a great feeling," she said. "My doctor said I shouldn’t play sports anymore, but I’m happy I did. I always came back because I love the girls and the sport. I’m so ecstatic I did; if I’d missed this year I’d have been so angry."
Allamby is one of just two seniors on this year’s squad, along with catcher Mai’Lee Paselio. She was 1-for-3 in the Falcons’ 5-1 GMCT title game victory over South Plainfield. In the fall, Allamby plans to attend Howard University and study physical therapy.
"I liked the people that helped me, and I like helping others," Allamby said.
Monroe improved to 21-3 with its third win of the season over South Plainfield, a team it never defeated prior to this year. The Falcons added a victory in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III semifinals Tuesday, putting them on the verge of another title.
"The first time we beat South Plainfield was probably the turning point of our season; when we won we were so high and we knew we could beat anybody after that game," Allamby said. "It’s great to go out with a bang. It’s amazing to me. The rest of team, we had great spirits together and always got along. I just knew we could do it, since the first game."
Chemistry was a key factor in the Falcons’ success.
"We hang out with each other; after practices we’ll go out and eat," Allamby said. "We’re just very close to each other. It makes it great. We have practices, but we get to have fun. We get to joke around. It makes it more than softball."
This will most likely be the last time Allamby plays competitive sports as she finally gives way to the effects of injuries suffered over the years.
"I get to go out with a championship, so it’s perfect," she said.

