Simpson’s Journey From Texas to Colgate

When Allyson Simpson ’24 was 13, she did something most kids her age don’t do: She moved out of her home to pursue her dreams.

It was a difficult decision for Simpson and her family. But the Frisco, Texas, native and future assistant captain of the Colgate women’s hockey team had set goals of playing college hockey, joining the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team, and representing her country in the Olympics. She also wanted to be a captain of a college team. 

If she wanted to achieve those dreams, she knew she needed a hockey program where she could learn from top coaches and play against elite competition. That meant leaving Texas, where she found that hockey programs for kids are limited. 

“I wouldn’t have gone as far in the sport if I had stayed in Dallas and played there,” Simpson said. 

The decision proved to be the right one for Simpson, who is now a fifth-year senior and a standout on defense for the Raiders. She’s also represented the U.S. on multiple occasions, and has only the Olympics left to cross off her list. 

She’s proud of all she’s accomplished, which was made possible through determination, hard work, and overcoming challenges. And she’s proud to have done it as an athlete from Texas.

CHASING HER DREAM

Some hockey players discover the sport as kids because their parents played it. 

Simpson’s father was a professional golfer, but it’s because of him that she would find her love for hockey.

Her father, James, played at a golf course where members of the Dallas Stars would play each summer. After getting to know those players, he often scored free tickets to Stars’ games.

After the family started watching the Stars at the American Airlines Center, Simpson’s older brother wanted to play hockey. Simpson, on the other hand, wasn’t entirely sure about the sport.

She decided to give figure skating a try. But it wasn’t long before she gave hockey a chance. She was 8 years old when she started playing. 

Simpson played in boys’ and girls’ leagues near her home.  When coaches saw that she was a talented skater, she was put on defense. 

At first she played the sport for fun. But when she began to score on boys and girls at the highest levels of the sport, she began to realize her special talents on the ice. 

Her hockey abilities continued to evolve as the years went by. There came a point, however, when Simpson realized that she had to look beyond Texas to continue her development. It’s a path that’s common for kids who live in places that are far from the best hockey opportunities. 

For Simpson, it meant moving to Minnesota, where she enrolled at Shattuck - St. Mary’s, a boarding school with a well-regarded hockey program. 

“I was really lucky to have the opportunity to go to Shattuck and continue to develop my game,” Simpson said. “The great thing about Shattuck is that you’re there with some of the best players in the country. You’re practicing with these great players every day and playing against top opponents.”

Moving to a state that was far different from Texas was a huge change for Simpson. As a 13-year-old, she had to adjust to life at a school with dormitories and an academic structure that’s similar to a college. The experience taught her much about living on her own and managing her time between hockey and academics. 

While life at Shattuck was at times overwhelming, she had no second thoughts about returning home. In her first week at Shattuck, she was so thrilled to be there she never once called her parents, who were horror-struck after going days without hearing from their daughter. 

“It was definitely a big transition being away from home so young,” she said. “It’s like going to college but early. Your friends become your family. The adults and teachers and faculty are a huge part of your life. It helped me mature a lot at such a young age. But I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.”

In her first season, Simpson, at age 13, was one of the youngest on her team, which had players as old as 16. She played with exceptional teammates and learned from coaches who brought out the best in their players. 

She went on to achieve an unforgettable career, winning multiple national championships and two gold medals with the U.S. team at the U18 Women’s World Championships. She also won three USA Hockey National championships.

Her talent began to draw the attention of college hockey programs, including Colgate. 

THRIVING AT COLGATE

While college was still a couple of years away, Simpson started thinking about the next stop on her journey. 

She decided with her mother to visit colleges along the East Coast. While Colgate wasn’t originally on her list, that changed after she received a phone call from Head Coach Greg Fargo, who convinced her to visit Hamilton, N.Y.

When Simpson visited the Colgate campus, she soon realized she had found the ideal place to continue her hockey career. Colgate’s small community was one draw because it reminded her of her home. 

She liked the campus, the academic programs, and the opportunity to play for a successful hockey team. Construction on the Class of 1965 Arena was also nearly complete, allowing her to play in a modern facility. 

But it was the relationships with the coaches and the chance at developing as a hockey player that sold Simpson.

“The coaches were amazing, very personable, and they talked about helping me develop,” she said. “I had dreams of playing on the national team and the Olympics. They were going to help me get to those goals, which I appreciated. It was the right fit for me.”

“Looking back at it, it was the right move for me,” she said.

Now at Colgate, she was one step closer to fulfilling all her goals. Her first season as a Raider was also the inaugural season of the Class of 1965 Arena. Simpson played in 38 games, scoring seven goals with five assists. 

In her sophomore year, Simpson helped the Raiders win the ECAC championship, the first of three consecutive titles. 

In December, she earned another opportunity to represent the U.S. when she was selected for the annual Rivalry Series against Canada. The two nations square off each year in the series with rosters made primarily of college student-athletes. Simpson was one of two Raiders to play in the series. 

In addition, Simpson has achieved a stellar career on the blue line while playing a large role in the offense. In 164 games, she’s tallied 27 goals and 74 assists for 101 points. She earned her 100th point by scoring a goal in a 10-1 victory over Harvard on Jan. 26. 

Her awards include two ECAC Defender of the Week and three ECAC All-Academic Team. She was also nominated for the 2024 Mandi Schwartz Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award is presented to an ECAC women’s hockey player who demonstrates excellence and leadership on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community.

Meanwhile, she’s earning a degree in political science. She’s also participated in the Rising Raiders initiative, which allows everyone on the team to become mentors for local girls who want to play hockey.

Now, in her final season at Colgate, Simpson has accomplished nearly all the goals she first envisioned as a kid in Texas. All that remains is playing in the Olympics, which she will pursue once she graduates. She also wants to play in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). 

Simpson has come a long way since leaving Texas, making the best of every stop on her journey. She’s grateful for the opportunities she’s received at Colgate and thrilled about helping the hockey program on its dynasty run.

Colgate also has a community feel that reminds her of home.

“The people are my family," she said. "The growth that this program has had since I’ve been here is something I’m really proud of.”