At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2020. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well as they continue to complete the semester and become Rensselaer alumni / alumnae. 

While at Rensselaer:
Played 66 career soccer games ... Posted 30-24-4 record with 0.96 goals against average and .811 save percentage ... All-Liberty League First Team once ... Liberty League Rookie of the Year in 2016 ... Ran 200, 400, 500, 600, 800, 400H and relays in indoor and outdoor track ... Mathematics and Computer Science dual undergraduate major ... Communications minor ... Graduated in three years ... Summa Cum Laude ... Information Technology graduate major ... Dean's Honor List.

Favorite sports memory during career?
"There are so many memories to choose from, and I have many favorites. However the one that stands out to me is the one that involves both of my sports. Usually, our soccer play-day in the spring is on a Sunday, while track meets are on Saturdays. However, last spring the play-day was on a Saturday that we also had a meet. Luckily the meet was not too far away (at MIT) and the play-day was close to home (UAlbany). Grace and I (my dual sport buddy) both competed at the MIT meet, where I happened to get a PR in my 400H race. Then we were able to rush to the soccer games. We arrived right before warm-up and were able to play in the games, which included playing the Division I UAlbany team." - March 2020

What makes Rensselaer so special?
"RPI gave me opportunities that I would not have been able to get anywhere else. They valued my education above my athletics. Even on my own teams I'm on the nerdy side, but that did not stop me from hearing conversations about classes, homework, and tests when I was getting ready for practice. I was able to graduate early but still participate while completing my co-term year. I was able to explore my career opportunities mid-season, doing many in-person interviews that made me miss practice but I was still allowed to go to them and was given make-up practices. I will forever be grateful for that. Aside from the educational aspect, I was allowed the opportunity to participate in multiple sports, something I did not think I would be able to do. Even though I am a much better goalkeeper than a runner, I felt just as equal on both teams and was even able to balance the spring track season and spring soccer season together. RPI let me push myself as much as I could push myself; they were always helping me reach my goals." - March 2020

What are your post-graduation plans?
"I have accepted a job at Raytheon BBN in Newport, Rhode Island as a staff scientist." - March 2020

From the coaching staffs:
"Joey opened our eyes to the world of mathematics in sport. She could relate everything back to math and gave us insights about how we wanted to defend based on the math equations that were constantly rolling through her mind. We are still uncertain what is more impressive about Joey, her shot blocking or her ability to hear music in color. One thing is for certain, she is one of the greatest goalkeepers in program history, leaving big shoes to fill." - March 2020 

"A talented student as a mathematics and computer science dual major with a 4.0, and soccer player as the team's starting goalie for her entire career, Joey brings success and determination to the track & field program. She is always looking for another challenge, eager to push through workouts, run on relays, and try new events." - March 2020

What others say:
"Joey has been the anchor of our team for four years. As a freshman goalie she was a standout in the Liberty League and has remained that way. Apart from her impressive goalie skills, Joey works incredibly hard to lead by example for her teammates. She is always at the front of the pack in drills and conditioning. She always looks to diversify her skill set during practices and extra training sessions and by being a part of two varsity athletic teams! Joey will always be remembered for her work ethic and leadership." - March 2020

"Joey has had an amazing career here at RPI. She has saved this team too many times to count. Exactly the goalkeeper this team needed. My favorite thing about Joey was her desire to learn, not just about her position and duties, but about everyone else's. She was always looking to improve in any way she can and worked very hard. An inspiration on and off the field." - March 2020

"Joey is the most determined, dedicated and hard working person I know. I am in awe of all of her accomplishments both academically and athletically. After 3 1/2 years of living together while being soccer and track teammates, I can not thank her enough for being patient, kind, funny, and a best friend. We have so many crazy memories together, and although our time as teammates and roommates was cut short, she made my RPI experience better than I could have ever expected and I know she will continue on to do incredible things!" March 2020

"A goalkeeper that will throw her body on the line no matter what the cost. There's no one I would rather have behind me in the back of the field. She not only crushes it on the soccer field but she dominates the classroom with her intelligence. She's got great stuff ahead of her." - April 2020

"There's no one crazier than Joey on or off the track. She gives 110% in every aspect of her life. Somehow she graduated in three years with a dual degree - while competing at a high level in two sports and three seasons - seemingly without breaking a sweat. She is also a great workout partner and teammate; running with Joey by your side is always an asset!!" - April 2020

"Joey is a very hard worker and will sacrifice anything, even her body, to do the best she can." - April 2020

"Joey Lyons was a standout performer on and off the field. She was one of the most genuine and hardworking people on the team. Whether she challenged herself in school, academics, or other extracurriculars, she always pushed herself to the limit to accomplish more, improve her skills and find more ways to contribute. She inspired everyone on our team in how to be better players, students and people." - April 2020

"Joey Lyons would be doing her homework up until the exact time we had to leave the locker room for practice, and then was fully switched on to soccer for the entire session. The way she can focus on so many things with her full attention is amazing." - April 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.