Emily Chastain Alford is currently working as a social worker at an inpatient behavioral health hospital, she said. She credited Belhaven University’s social work program for helping her develop her passion for the field.
“Belhaven’s social work program was exceptional. I knew social work was a field I wanted to pursue, and the program played a key role in fostering and strengthening that passion,” she said, according to her interview.
Alford chose Belhaven because it felt right from the start. She wanted to continue playing soccer while staying close to home. She said practicing with the team helped her feel a genuine connection to the school and its community.
Among her favorite memories is her senior night, playing in the bowl under the lights. She described the game as a hard-fought victory that felt like a movie. Alford also expressed how much she misses being part of a team and playing soccer, describing her teammates as her family.
Today, she stays involved in soccer by playing with her children. Watching her oldest son begin his soccer journey brings her joy, she added.
Alford praised her former teammates, especially Jessica Mahoney, as a standout player. She said Mahoney’s talent, work ethic, and team spirit helped her become a better player and made everyone around her better as well.
