University of St. Thomas Athletics
2019-20 Women's Basketball Roster
Roster
Alyssa Paper
- Position:
- F
- Height:
- 5-11
- Class:
- Freshman
- High School:
- Fargo Davies
- Hometown:
- Fargo, N.D.
Academics: Business Law & Compliance major with Spanish minor...
Tommie Career:
Played in 12 games and scored 14 points...
Prior to St. Thomas:
Fr. year 2016 ND State Soccer Runner-up; So. year 2017 ND State Soccer Champion; Jr. year all-conference EDC for Basketball, EDC Basketball Champion, All-State Tournament Team for Basketball, 2018 ND State Soccer Champion, All-State Tournament Team for Soccer; Sr. year Soccer Team Captain, all-conference EDC for Soccer, 1st team All-State for Soccer, Basketball Team Captain, all-conference EDC for Basketball, Surpassed 1,000 points, Broke "Most Rebounds in a Game" Record with 21, Lion's Allstar participant, Lion's Allstar Player of the Game, Earned Silver Medal on National Spanish Exam, National Honor Society 2018-2019, Spanish Club President 2018-2019; Other: 4.00 Cumulative GPA, NDPRO for 5 years
Family:
Alyssa’s mom is Brenda Paper and she attended the University of Minnesota and earned a major in political science. She is now a social worker for Clay County and has been for many years. Her dad is Tony Paper and he played basketball at the University of South Dakota for two years before getting injured and transferring to the University of Minnesota. While at the U, he earned a degree in finance and is now a self-employed financial advisor. Alyssa’s older brother Jake attends MSUM.
What did you do this summer?
This summer, Alyssa worked two jobs in Fargo. In the mornings, she nannied for a family in West Fargo who had two boys, ages 10 and 13. Most days they played basketball, football, tennis or ping pong, went to the pool, played video games, or had a baking competition. There were not a lot of camps this summer, but she was their Uber if they ever needed a ride. During the evenings, Alyssa worked at the Fargo Basketball Academy where she "reffed" and coached elementary and middle school girls during their 3 on 3 league. In her free time, she did workouts with her dad and brother, rollerbladed with her dog, hung out with friends and family at the lake, and worked on assignments for an Accounting class.
What makes St. Thomas Special?
Alyssa thinks that St. Thomas is special because of its successes in both academics and athletics. At this university, she believes, you do not have to sacrifice one for the other, which was very appealing to her.
Who inspires you or is a role model? and Why?
Alyssa says that obviously her parents and brother inspire her a ton and has forever seen them as role models, but her best friend Carly Kottsick is her biggest role model. Alyssa says that she is not only the strongest person she has met, but also the most thoughtful, caring and loving person she knows. She literally puts everyone else's needs before hers, and has overcome so many battles, yet continues to be the strong and independent person she is. She worked hard all of high-school and continues to do so in college. Alyssa was lucky enough to play and learn from her for 3 years during high school basketball, but she is now a stud at the University of Mary.
What is career ambition or dream job?
Alyssa is currently pursuing a Business Law & Compliance major with a minor in Spanish. Her ideal job would involve working and communicating with people, practicing law, and having a boujee office with a view over the city.
What is favorite vacation spot or future destination?
Her favorite vacation spot is Myrtle Beach, but would love to study abroad in Spain or Italy in the future.
