The second half of the soccer season ended on a high note for Emily. Although she did not play the first few games in October, due to bursitis in her knee and then coach's decision, she clawed her way into the starting lineup by the the last few games. A little bit of luck (a formation change) and a lot of hard work (relentlessly practicing on her own and grinding at team practices) resulted in the coach putting her for the second half of the Bard game. She had not played for three straight games, so not only were we not there, we weren't even watching the game. She played really well and continued to ride that wave through the following week, earning a start against RPI. She played so well that the trainer and a few players said she was the MVP of the game and the coach said that one other plays was the play of the game (she tore the entire side of her leg open and it didn't heal properly until the end of the season, but at least she got accolades for putting her body on the line!). She had three shots on goal and played the full 90. Remarkably, she is now playing forward - Emily has always loved scoring goals, but is such a strong defender that coaches only put her up top when they need an offensive injection. She started the last two games of the season as well, giving 100% effort every moment she was on the field. We have no idea what will come in the spring season and next fall, but she will be ready.
