Playing soccer is about more than just competing on the field. For players like Emma Lee McComas, a senior at Clinton High School, the friendships made on a team transcend off the field. 

Soccer is not a one-person game. “Working together as a team, trusting your teammates and communication all carryover into my life. It has taught me to trust myself and my ability to make decisions or critically think through things in my everyday life,” said Emma.

Her favorite memories are with teammates. “When I scored in a playoff game and one of my teammates, Allyson Lopez, came up and celebrated with me is my favorite memory. She doesn’t usually celebrate so it made me feel special,” said Emma.

A teammate who makes a positive impact is Paola Ochoa. “She is an amazing person and athlete and it’s amazing to watch her play. She has taught me so many things on and off the field and is someone I can call a friend. She was there when I was going through a rough time. Sometimes people don’t know the impact they leave even if it’s just one conversation,” she said. 

Emma does not look up to professional athletes or public figures. “I have one person in my life I look up to and it’s my mom because of her undoubting support for me. She may not be a professional athlete in the big world but for a single mom of three kids, she is an athlete every day.

“My mom gives the best advice. ‘Always be kind to the people around you because you never know what they are going through.’ As someone who was bullied in a time of hardship, I know how it feels when someone is nice on a hard day. That could have changed their whole world,” says Emma.

“I would like to thank my coaches. Eugene Jefferson and LJ Williams for always making sure I have what I need andfor being people and coaches I can go to. I would also like to thank my parents for always supporting me but still making sure I make the right decisions,” says Emma.