At this time last year, Alyssa Coleman was preparing for her senior softball season.
 
The 2016 John Carroll graduate was a four-year standout on the softball diamond, completing her career as the owner of numerous honors. She was a two-time team captain, two-time All-OAC team member, and a two-time Academic All-OAC winner.
 
Life has changed for Alyssa.
 
She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Accounting at the Ohio State University. She is set to graduate in May of 2017.
 
And she is preparing for football season in an unexpected role as a member of the "Best Damn Band in the Land" – The Ohio State University Marching Band.
 
Prior to Alyssa's John Carroll days, she played the mellophone in the Field High School marching band, and that is the exact instrument she is playing today in the Ohio State marching band. For those who are not familiar with a mellophone, it is a brass instrument, with characteristics of a trumpet and French horn.
 
According to Ohio State's website, "The 228-piece "Pride of the Buckeyes" is one of the few college all-brass-and-percussion bands in the U.S. and is acknowledged as the largest of its type in the world."
 
For Alyssa, being a part of this band would be a dream come true.
 
In order to prepare for tryouts, Alyssa attended optional band rehearsals all summer where they taught fundamentals of being in the marching band and all of the school songs. Tryouts were held in August and they consisted of two full days of being evaluated on how well each person could play the music and march at the same time.
 
Alyssa found out she was officially a member of the Ohio State University marching band shortly after tryouts. She received so much love and support when she made the announcement to all her family and friends.
 
"Our first game day was filled with so much joy, and it did not really hit me until that day that I was a member of The Best Damn Band In The Land," said Alyssa. "I experienced so many 'firsts' that day, all of which exceeded my expectations. There were so many traditions that I got to be a part of, and my favorite was 'Script Ohio.'"
 
Ohio State's website mentions that "the band's Script Ohio is considered by many to be the most memorable tradition in college band history."
 
One of the most amazing experiences she has enjoyed as a member of the band is the number of people that ask to take a picture with her in uniform. It has really proven to her how respected the Ohio State marching band is.
 
Her favorite song to play is "Fight the Team." She has learned multiple shows so far this season. Her favorite show song yet was "Wicked," which was the opener for their latest show entitled, "Buckeyes on Broadway."
 
Despite the honors and the privileges, being in the band has its challenges. Trying to balance her school work, classes, and learn all the music and new shows for each week is difficult. Each band member practices 20-30 hours per week during football season to learn the music and the field formations, and on home game days, band members must report by 4:30 a.m. for a noon kickoff.
 
While some of the younger band members may be unsettled by the time demands, Alyssa feels more than prepared for the experience.
 
"Playing a sport in college while pursuing my undergrad was definitely helpful because I learned how to balance responsibilities," said Alyssa. "I feel very lucky to be a part of this organization … It is unlike anything I have ever been a part of, and it is something that I have been dreaming about for as long as I can remember."
 
The Ohio State marching band plays at all home games and select away games. So far this year Alyssa has played at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at the University of Oklahoma, and she will also play at Spartan Stadium at Michigan State University. In addition to these regular season games, Alyssa will have the opportunity to play at any bowl games or playoff games, if that is the case for the Ohio State football team.
 
After Alyssa graduates from Ohio State in May, she plans to move back to Cleveland and start working as an auditor at Ernst & Young.
 
Alyssa is so appreciative of everyone who has believed in her and supported her in any way.
 
"Go Blue Streaks and Go Bucks!"