Being a freshman on varsity is a feat that a slim amount of high school athletes are able to accomplish, especially on teams with such rich traditions of excellence. However, despite the odds, Emily Sachire is one of only two freshmen on the 17-straight sectional champion Penn Girls Soccer team.
Having been a younger sister to another soccer player, Sachire was surrounded by the sport practically all her life and has been kicking the soccer ball for as long as she can remember. She began playing at age three for a small recreational team and immediately fell in love with the game.
Since then, her passion for soccer has done nothing but grow exponentially. The center midfielder currently plays in a nationally-recognized league with her travel team out of Indianapolis as well as a local Michiana club. Sachire now adds a new team to her resume: the Penn Girls Varsity Soccer team.
“At first, I thought it was a lot of pressure, but with the help of my teammates, I learned it’s okay to make mistakes and we are playing for each other. Now, I view it as an amazing opportunity,” Sachire said.
Having had her own varsity experience as a freshman, current junior player, Ava Stevens, is familiar with that pressure.
Stevens said, “Being a freshman on varsity made me realize how hard you have to work to succeed and get playing time.”
But, like Sachire, she shared that it was the upperclassmen who helped her navigate through the ups and downs of freshman season, which is what she is trying to do for this group of first years.
“Even though she doesn’t always start, Emily comes in and brings a lot of energy and intensity for the team,” Stevens stated. “There is never a drop-off in play when she subs in, even when she’s coming in for older, more experienced players.”
With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the Lady Kingsmen hold a record of 6-5-3 and are ranked in the top 15 in the state. Having played in every game and started in two, Sachire had contributed three goals and two assists in her freshman campaign.
“I think I’ve gotten to know older players and have made a lot of new friends. I also have obviously gotten better at soccer and have gotten stronger by playing against more experienced players. I want to become a better leader and communicator both on and off the field. I also want to continue to get closer with my teammates and be as coachable as I can be,” Sachire said.
The Kingsmen are looking to finish the regular season strong and get ready to prepare for their state run.
