Emma Donley '21 Recruiting Profile

Most people do not understand what being a goal-keeper actually means. They assume that it is the position for people that “cannot run” or for people that “are not as athletic.” Those people are terribly wrong, though. Personally, I believe that the keeper is an incredibly important position with many responsibilities; this is not a job where half-effort will work. Fortunately, the responsibilities that come with being a goal-keeper are why I love it so much. I realized this early on. As a clueless, yet determined 10-year-old, I knew that I wanted to be the best keeper I could possibly be. I religiously read books, watched videos, and practiced in my backyard to improve my game. As I got older and received actual training and started competing at higher levels, I realized more and more responsibilities that came along with my job. Other than keeping the ball out of the net (which is most important,) I knew that I had to be a leader. Being a leader means that I have to take full responsibility for every goal that is scored on me. It is no one else’s fault but mine. Another thing I learned is that my main motivation is the ten other players in front of me every game. I need to do everything I possibly can to keep the ball out of my net to make my teammates proud. I am determined to continue to reach my goals and to make my future teammates and coaches proud at the collegiate level one day.