Anyone who knows Abby Marchal knows that she’s competitive and determined. At only 11 years old, Abby has already accomplished great things with this fire inside her and she’s not slowing down! This active sixth grader who attends St. Brigid of Kildare, is particularly passionate about soccer and Irish dance. 

Abby started playing soccer when she was six years old. Once she established her basic skills playing for Dublin Soccer League, she decided she wanted to play more competitively. She eventually found Club Ohio and currently plays midfielder for the national team. Every year Abby looks forward to traveling out-of-state with her team for elite showcases in Florida and Arizona. 

What she loves most about soccer is the team aspect: playing together, training together and winning together. Her favorite and current coach is her mom, Megan. She loves that her mom played soccer herself and can get out there and play with her and her teammates. Abby wears number 13 for Alex Morgan, another soccer figure who she admires and looks up to.

“There are so many opportunities to be active in and play soccer,” Abby said. “You don’t have to be like Messi. Soccer is fun, especially being around all your friends.”

Her other passion is Irish dancing, which she’s enjoyed since she was five years old. The Marchal family discovered Richens Timm Academy of Irish Dance while attending the Dublin Irish Festival. They have not been disappointed as Abby and her parents couldn’t be more pleased with the school, the instructors and their fellow dance families. “You don’t have to compete to just learn how to dance,” Abby said. “Dance classes are fun!”

What Abby loves the most about Irish dance is that she’s on her own and knows the only thing that she can control is herself, even in team competitions. She pushes herself to constantly grow, practicing often on her own and with friends. Richens Timm Academy owners and instructors, Heather and John Timm, along with instructor Allanda O’Neill, have been important guides in her dance journey. Many senior dancers have also helped Abby along the way, including Kyla Aho and Kaela Meyer who are both world championship qualifiers. 

Abby has traveled to Dallas for national competitions and to St. Louis and Indianapolis for larger competitions. She has also competed at Oireachtas, a regional competition, and at North American Irish Dance competition. Last July she placed third overall at the national competition for traditional set! One of her favorite dance memories is when she stood proudly on the podium there and received her medal. She continues to work hard to accomplish her goal of competing someday at the World Championship. 

Abby plans to continue with both soccer and Irish dance beyond high school. Whether she plays college soccer someday or becomes a dance instructor, she’s definitely on the right path for success!