NEWPORT, R.I.-- Sean McAllister '12, Salve Regina University Seahawk Hall of Fame 2026 inductee from the men's soccer team, didn't know what to expect when he transferred in after his freshman year. What he found on the shores of Newport was influential leadership and family.
"It was a super tight knit group of players and a huge family," said McAllister. "I still hold on to the memories of team bus rides, late practices and time spent as a group—from not knowing what to expect coming into it to realizing four years later that it went by so fast."
McAllister was recognized in back-to-back seasons as the Salve Regina Male Athlete of the Year (2010-11, 2011-12). In 2010, he established the men's soccer program record for points in a single season when his 16 goals and 13 assists combined for 45 points. His assist mark stood as the all-time record for eight seasons. A three-time all-conference and all-New England performer, he still holds the school's all-time points mark (91) with 33 career goals and 25 assists.
"My desire to compete and prove myself drove me competitively," recalled McAllister. "I wanted to be someone who can be recognized as dependable. I wanted to make a difference. I think I hated losing more than I liked winning which gave me a consistent drive."
Along with his competitiveness, a strong foundation of leadership gave McAllister an environment which also led to success on the men's soccer team.
"I attribute my success to coach Craig O'Rourke II because he did such a great job leading by example," stated McAllister. "During my early years at Salve, I was more of a selfish player. When I became an upperclassman and eventually an assistant coach, it became the opposite. It's where I had a turning point in my life and Coach O'Rourke is the main reason for this."
"This runs parallel to my career because I started off as a sales rep in cyber security about 10 years ago being an individual contributor," continued McAllister. "I stuck with the career and now I'm leading a team of 20 people. I wouldn't be in the position I'm in without the examples that were set by my coach and teammates. I don't just say that, I genuinely mean it."
These days McAllister translates his competitiveness and high-achieving mindset to both his work and his family.
"I care about being the best parent I can, so I guess I'm still competitive to a degree," reflected McAllister. "I just want to be the best dad I could ever be. It's drive, being dependable and being willing to take responsibility under pressure."
While balancing his family and work commitments, McAllister does still find that soccer is still a part of him.
"Soccer definitely still plays a part in my life even though I'm not coaching at the moment. I play in a competitive adult league and I'm still playing 2-3 times a week. I'm actually missing a game for the hall of fame induction so that shows how important Salve is to me," laughed McAllister.
Salve men's soccer shaped McAllister's college and post grad experiences and helped him grow into the person he is today. He remembers just how much the team meant to him and will never overlook those experiences.
"I specifically remember coming off the field the last time, knowing that was it and my college career was coming to an end," said McAllister. "The one thing I appreciate now is how temporary that period was. When you're in it, you feel like it's all consuming. Years later you remember your teammates, you remember the laughter, you remember the adversity you overcame. That lasts forever."
McAllister hopes that the current Seahawks take the time to experience the moment they are in, even though the constant demands of being a student-athlete take their toll. He hopes Seahawks can appreciate all the lessons they will take away from their time in Newport.
"I hope that they continue to compete at a high level," remarked McAllister. "The winning matters but the lasting impact of who you become is most important. Losing can be a good thing. It teaches us to evaluate what happened and then you can adjust and return with confidence. You can't control every outcome. However, you can still control your preparation and your effort."
