We sat down with the sensational swimming, shot stopping, speedo sporting Senior. From pool to pew, this water polo goalkeeper and MECO leader gives his all in everything.

Senior Rory Allen keeps a healthy balance between academics and athletics close to heart, and epitomizes the definition of being a student-athlete.

Rory Allen, a Media, Pennsylvania native, was born at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood. A St. Mary Magdalene alum, Allen came to Malvern during his freshman year, following the footsteps of his brothers, Patrick ‘11 and Tommy ‘14.

During his first couple of years at Malvern, Rory did not know what activities to join, until his older brother Pat encouraged him to join the Water Polo team as a sophomore.

“Water polo is an aquatic sport involving two goals and one ball,” said Allen. “Players must tread water at all times, and may only use one hand at a time when handling the ball. The game is played much like hockey or soccer.”

Over the past 3 years, Allen has developed from a player to a leader. As a goalie, Allen’s job is much different from the average player.

“I’m responsible for organizing the structure of our defense. I tell players where they need to be, what hand they should be leading with, where the opponents are, making knock down shooter calls; basically yelling at our defense to make sure they’re in the right position,” Allen said.

Goalkeeping is an important leadership position in the team, but Rory is no stranger to leadership. A member of the Adelphia society, NHS, and a MECO leader, his efforts to put out his best work are evident in everything he does.

This effort will be especially important for this season. “An outright win in the Inter-Ac is our ultimate goal,” said Allen.