Staples Keeper Nation Profile: Alex Deegan ’91
Alex Deegan ’91 had a storied Staples career. He then led tiny Davidson College to the NCAA Division I Final Four, and played more than 5 years in the pros. The legendary “Deegs” is the 2nd profile in our continuing Staples Goalkeeper Nation series, linking goaltenders of the past with those of today and tomorrow. For more information on Staples Goalkeeper Nation, click here.
NAME: Alex Deegan
CLASS: 1991. I was a 2-year starter at Staples. We had 2 very talented teams that won 2 FCIAC titles, but we never won a state championship. It kills me, to this day.
POST-STAPLES CAREER: I moved on to Davidson College thanks to a previous Staples keeper, Scott Zucker. He paved the way for me, and led Davidson as a captain to its first-ever Top 20 ranking. Somehow he convinced a coach that I could play D-I, despite my height!
I was lucky to be a starter from 1991-95 (I missed 1993 and ’94 with knee injuries). The 1992 team was a Final Four participant. We lost to San Diego, which went on to lose to some team from Virginia nicknamed the Wahoos (hey, Tom!) I think they were pretty good!
I left Davidson as a 3-year captain with 20 shutouts — but most importantly, lifelong friends and another great experience with tradition. I utilized soccer to get a 1st-class education.
After Davidson, I played 5+ years professionally, mostly with the Richmond Kickers. I had cups of coffee in MLS, including the Columbus Crew, DC United and FC Dallas (aka the Dallas Burn).
I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to play pro soccer at a unique time in American soccer history. My 1st year in the pros was 1996 — the same as the inaugural year of MLS.
I pursued my MBA wile playing soccer, and got lucky to end up in the world of finance after I retired from playing. I now work at a private equity firm (Juggernaut Capital) in the Washington, DC area.
I married a former University of North Carolina soccer captain, Elizabeth Marslender (she makes up for the lack of championships in my life!). We have 3 kids: Sophie, Haynes and McKay. We live in Arlington, Virginia.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM STAPLES SOCCER: I learned the value of work ethic, tradition and loyalty growing up under the banner of Staples soccer. The importance of team, playing for the shirt, and remembering those who came before me served me very well. I’m very thankful for the legends of Staples soccer, and all the time and interest they took in me. I feel very fortunate to be part of that tradition.
BIGGEST REGRET: Not being able to give back more to the program. But I’m very thankful that Tom has joined Dan. The commitment you bring is inspirational!
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I trained with Bournemouth, the newly promoted Premiership team, and current manager Eddie Howe in 1998 for 3 weeks, before being called into training camp with the Columbus Crew.
Alex Deegan, in his Davidson days.
