Allie Louis, a New Orleans scholarship student-athlete and a member of the women's cross country and track & field teams (including the women's cross squad that just finished runner-up at the 2021 Southland Championships), caught up with assistant director of athletic communications Matthew Schaefer for another edition of Scholarship Spotlight on UNOPrivateers.com.
What does being on scholarship at the University of New Orleans mean to you? What opportunities has being a student-athlete at UNO allowed you, both as a student-athlete and as an individual?
"Being on scholarship at UNO is an honor. It shows that my coaches can trust me and my work ethic and expect me to stay disciplined. It also gives me motivation to continue to work hard and strive for new goals. I am very thankful I get assistance in order to further my education and do what I love. Being a student-athlete has helped me develop skills like balance, time management and patience. I remember before I transferred how I so desperately wanted to be a part of a program where I wasn't just another number, that I was seen for my value and the UNO staff proved that over my years here."
What impact has athletics had on your life?
"Athletics has been a part of my life since I was very young. It has helped me physically, emotionally and mentally. I have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people along the way and have cherished every moment of it even the passing out and running at 5:30 AM part. Because of athletics, I have been to places I would have never gone, achieved goals I never thought I could and pushed my body to limits I didn't think was possible. It has been an outlet for me when life has become hard. In fact, I view life like I view running. You get out what you put in."
What is your favorite thing about living in the city of New Orleans and attending UNO?
"I was born in Arizona and wasn't around as much diversity until I came to New Orleans. While living in Nola, I have been emerged into new culture and opportunities. One thing I really enjoy about living here is always having something to do, whether it's going to Frenchman Street, walking around City Park or watching the sunset at Lake Ponchatrain. This city is full of celebration and gives off a sense of unity. Living here makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself. A family. "
What's a fun fact about you someone might not know?
"I can do the worm, coffee grinder and belly dance. I learned all of these skills when I was really young and big into having daily dance parties."
What does it mean to be able to represent the city of New Orleans as a student-athlete?
"It is exciting to represent a city that is so well known. Being able to share that I run in a city as strong and lively as New Orleans surprises people. This city has been through many challenges but in the end has overcame a lot. When there is no way, we find a way. I try to implement this attitude in my training and overall performance. I want to be that fighter that my team needs just like the people here are for their city."
As someone who has had a big part of a program that has rebuilt itself over the years (which just included a runner-up finish at the Southland Cross Country Championships), what is the potential you see at the University of New Orleans and what is a message you would pass along to student-athletes who are becoming Privateers?
"First of all, I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to continue my running career. Going through many obstacles has been discouraging at times but having great hard-working coaches who believe in you goes a long way. I am forever thankful for the second chance I've been given to compete. This program has been progressing ever since I joined and it's bittersweet to leave because I know it's just going to continue to get even better. To all the future Privateer, "Trust the process, and be patient. With hard work, consistency, and love for the sport, no one can come in your way. Lastly, just take a deep breath, stay calm, and remain focused. You got it.""
A WORD FROM COACH
"I will forever be grateful for what Allie has brought to the program over the years," associate head coach
Brock Moreaux said. "She was part of our initial recruiting class to revamp the program and she took that role head-on. She could have taken the easier route and gone into an already established program and done her part, but she believed in our vision, took the latter route, and did it with pride! In addition, she did all of this while maintaining a high GPA and working a part-time job. She was the ideal student-athlete during her time with us at UNO."
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