Men's Soccer 11/4/2020 11:00:00 AM

Alumni Profile: Alan McGreal

Alan McGreal earned a plethora of accolades during his four-year tenure with the Canisius men's soccer team.

During his time on Main Street, McGreal was a four-time All-MAAC honoree, the only player in Canisius history to earn the distinction. He was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year in 2006, joining Luciano Gallo — who did so in 1989 — as the only two Golden Griffins to earn top rookie honors by the MAAC. McGreal also earned All-MAAC First Team honors in 2007 and 2009, while earning second-team honors in 2006 and 2008.

McGreal remains the Griffs' all-time leading scorer with 99 points (35 goals, 29 assists), 24 more than Gallo, who is in second place in team history.

McGreal, who currently resides in his native Ireland while working for Citibank as an anti-money laundering compliance analyst, recently caught up with GoGriffs.com to go over how Canisius has helped shape him as a person, what brought him to Canisius and some of his favorite memories of being a Golden Griffin.

GoGriffs.com: When did you attend Canisius and what degree did you receive?
McGreal: I attended Canisius from 2005 to 2010. I graduated with a degree in physical education.

GoGriffs.com: How did playing soccer at Canisius help shape you into the person you are today?
McGreal: Leaving Ireland at 18 years old to travel to the United States to play soccer helped me grow as a young man and mature. Having to do things by myself and having to look after myself made me grow up quickly. It's the best decision I've ever made.

GoGriffs.com: What persuaded, or attracted, you to attend Canisius?
McGreal: Well, I didn't really know where I was going, to be honest. I was a young man from Dublin when Coach [Jim] Hesch recruited me. He came to Dublin and sold me a challenge. All I knew about Buffalo was that Niagara Falls was near it. I don't regret my decision and would go back and do it all again if I could.

Alan McGreal dribbles a ball during a match with Bucknell in 2008

Alan McGreal dribbles a ball during a match with Bucknell in 2008

GoGriffs.com: When was the last time you were on campus?
McGreal: October 2017 when I attended a wedding on campus. It was great to see the campus again and walk on the turf of the Demske Sports Complex. I was able to speak to some of the staff as well. I have some great memories.

GoGriffs.com: Speaking of memories, what is the most memorable memory, or memories, that you have of being a student-athlete at Canisius?
McGreal: My most memorable memory has to be breaking the points record on Sept. 11, 2009 against Cornell. But the overall experience of being a student-athlete was unbelievable. I got to live the life of a professional footballer (without the large salaries), training everyday, travelling to and from different colleges, being a recognizable face on campus, the craic (Irish slang for social interactions) in the locker room with your teammates. They really are the best times of your life.

Alan McGreal dribbles a ball during a match with Drexel in 2009

Alan McGreal dribbles a ball during a match with Drexel in 2009

GoGriffs.com: What advice do you have for current, or perspective, student-athletes at Canisius?
McGreal: Enjoy every minute of it. Wear the jersey with pride and challenge yourself. It's not just about wearing nice gear. Go out and represent the college, go out to win. Time flies so don't wish your time away. I'd love to go back and do my time again.

GoGriffs.com: Do you have — or had — any form of contact with anyone within the soccer program currently, or any of your former teammates?
McGreal: I keep in touch with Coach Hesch still. He gave me an opportunity that resulted in memories for life. I've met up with people over the years if they came to Ireland, not just soccer associates but other students and student-athletes. Social media has its negatives, but the positive is that I get to follow everyone's life and they can follow mine.

GoGriffs.com: Having played soccer collegiately and being the Griffs' all-time leading scorer, do you still have any involvement with the sport?
McGreal: Yes, I'm still playing at the highest amateur level in Ireland. The body hasn't given up yet. Recently won the FAI Intermediate Player of the Year, which is the highest accolade an amateur player can win so I was delighted with that. I'm not getting any younger though, so who knows how many more years I have left.

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