Lacrosse teams from Sandy recently gathered to complete a backyard cleanup, honoring the memory of their teammate, Alyia, who passed away on August 21. The cleanup was a project Alyia had dreamed of for her mother's backyard, a dream cut short when she experienced a seizure that took her life.
Alyia's mother, Melissa Christensen, described her daughter as "a ray of sunshine" and the "glue in our family." She recalled Alyia's belief that "Mom, it takes zero energy to be a good person." Christensen emphasized the unexpected loss, stating that losing Alyia was "like losing a part of me." She expressed a desire to bring awareness to epilepsy and the available measures, such as alarms, that could potentially save lives.
Hannah Qureshi, Alyia’s best friend and a fellow lacrosse player, remembered meeting Alyia during her freshman year, describing her as "the most happy, kind, funny person ever." Qureshi joined the cleanup to support Alyia’s family and to help fulfill the projects Alyia had started.
The effort saw not only Alyia's girls' lacrosse teammates but also members of the boys' lacrosse team contributing their time and "elbow grease," as a successful fall cleanup requires. Alta High School boys varsity lacrosse coach Brandon Horoba praised his team, noting they are "a good group of boys" who consistently aim "to do the right things." He highlighted the cleanup as "a demonstration of the character that they have."
Melissa Christensen noted that the kindness demonstrated by the students meant the world to Alyia. She reflected on her 16-year-old daughter's significant impact, saying, "I can't think of a better legacy for a kid," adding that Alyia affected many, "from the old lady next door to the people at the gym."
Looking ahead, the lacrosse community faces the challenge of continuing without Alyia on the field. Hannah Qureshi stated her intention to dedicate the upcoming season to her friend, saying, "For me this season, I'm definitely doing it for her." Coach Horoba acknowledged that taking the field for the first time without Alyia would be difficult, but he encouraged players to remember that the lacrosse field was her "happy place," and they should strive to make it theirs as well.
This act of community support helped transform a quiet backyard into a finished space, fulfilling a dream for Alyia's family while allowing her teammates to honor her memory through collective action.
