Soccer Association when she was seven years old. Fastforward and she is currently the team captain for the 99 Athena A Athens United Womens team. Paul Wells has been Emily’s club coach and personal trainer for four years. “Emily has been a lifelong member and the absolute rock/leader of the team,” he says. “Playing primarily as a center back or holding mid she has a wonderful understanding of the game and frankly she can play anywhere on the field,” he ANTONIO BOZA adds. In moments that the team needs an attacking lift, her coach says she plays a higher pressing role in the midfield, and when the team needs composure/ defensive solidity she drops as a center back. “She is incredibly versatile with good technique in both feet. She has an unwavering positive passion for the game with a ‘never say die attitude’ that she brings not just to games but also to practice — she can’t stand losing at even the simplest warm up games!” Wells laughs. Besides being a positive team leader, Wells says she has that unique ‘it’ factor that lifts others around her in difficult times to overcome and find a winning solution. Starting at a young age she began attending the UGA women’s games and from there her love of the sport blossomed into a passion. “She is one of the few athletes who trains yearround by herself and at Core Soccer (Athens soccer training center) to improve fitness/strength/skill that have gained her recognition playing for AUSA and as the captain of her high school team,” Wells says. “She has a few options to play either D2 or D1 that she is weighing right now and will most certainly be playing at the next level. Finding the best fit for her scholastic pursuits will ultimately be the deciding factor for which school she attends.”