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College soccer star, 21, killed in devastating drowning accident

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Ally Sidloski, pictured here before her tragic death at 21.
Ally Sidloski died at the age of 21. Image: Twitter

College soccer star Ally Sidloski has been identified as the victim of a drowning accident at East Fork State Park in Ohio.

The University of Cincinnati, where Sidloski was a standout student and athlete, confirmed the devastating news on Monday.

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She was 21.

"I am absolutely crushed for the Sidloski Family, our soccer team and the University," head coach Neil Stafford said in a statement.

"There's no words for dealing with a tragedy on this scale.

"Ally was such a pillar of everything that's right about our program. A great student, gritty and resilient player and a phenomenal human being – this is an immeasurable and unspeakable loss.

"Our hearts go out to her family and friends and we will lift them up with our fond memories of Ally.”

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirmed that Sidloski’s body was recovered early on Sunday morning at the William H. Harsha Lake, which sits just east of Cincinnati.

Sidloski was reportedly hanging off a swimming platform attached to a boat when she fell into the lake.

Officials said she was not wearing a life jacket at the time.

The East Fork Lake River, pictured here where Ally Sidloski's body was recovered.
A file photo of the East Fork Lake River, where Ally Sidloski's body was recovered. Image: Twitter

Sidloski did not play for the Bearcats last season due to injury.

She 'redshirted' as a freshman in 2018, and then earned Academic All-ACC honours in 2019 after completing multiple semesters with a 4.0 GPA.

"Our Bearcats family has suffered an extreme loss," Cincinnati athletic director John Cunningham said.

"We send all our prayers, love and support to the Sidloski family and will do everything we can to support them and our student-athletes as we all process and work through this tragedy.

"Please respect the privacy of the Sidloskis and members of our soccer team as they grieve the loss of their daughter, sister, teammate and friend."

Ally Sidloski, pictured here on Instagram.
Ally Sidloski was a gifted student and athlete. Image: Instagram

Family devastated over Ally Sidloski's death

Sidloski's father David and sister Katie also played soccer at the collegiate level.

David played for Cleveland State University, while Katie played for Indiana State University and Cleveland State.

Mother Tracie paid tribute to her 'sweet Angel' on a GoFundMe page.

“Our Angel Ally touched the lives of so many people,” Tracie said.

“We would like to help her legacy live on by creating scholarships in her name.

“Ally was an avid soccer player for the city of Strongsville, Strongsville High School, Cleveland Futbol Club and the University of Cincinnati.

“Ally was named a TopCat scholar in multiple semesters for obtaining a 4.0 GPA.

“But most importantly, Ally was a loving granddaughter, daughter, sister, cousin and friend. “As she stated herself, ‘Life is about the people who come together to support you and love you through it all."

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