Emma Hanna '22 Recruiting Profile

I was a five-year-old when I first started playing soccer. I was oblivious to all reality, and had no clue what I was signing up for when I replied “yes” to the notion of playing soccer. Like most average children I thoroughly enjoyed playing soccer. It was a new game that provided excitement. However, it took me many years to fully comprehend the concept of competition. As I grew older, I became more competitive and the recreational league I had on for three years became unfulfilling for me. New opportunities were opening up and that when I signed up for a local club soccer called Merrymeeting. This new team was a chance to grow up and evolve into a competitive athlete. Even though I was scared at first by the thought of switching teams, looking back on it I know where it got me and how much fun it was. This new program saved my way of playing, and sculpted the soccer player I am today. However, I grew out of this program that taught me so much, and had to move on to (what I thought was scary at the time) high school soccer. Upon my transition into high school soccer, I discovered this was not the only option to further my skill. I felt unfulfilled by only playing high school soccer, which led me to club soccer. An organization, Seacoast, was located near me, and before I knew it I was trying out for their teams. Within a year I progressed from a lower level team to one of the elite NPL teams. 

When switching teams you need to be determined and I never failed to do so. I play soccer all year round because I know that to get better I need to practice and my entire childhood up to this point has been gearing me up to be the best soccer player I can be. I would describe my way of playing as passionate and aggressive. If I lose the ball or a pass doesn't go my way, I go after it and try to compensate for my mistakes. I never give up and I never will because my passion is too strong. I love crossing the ball or making creative passes and runs. I always try to enhance the game with creativity and aggressive one vs ones. My primary position is a wing midfielder or a striker, however I can play anywhere from defense to offense. I have never had a concrete position but that does not limit my skills. Instead it widens my perspective and overall makes me a better player. I would like to thank my parents for supporting my soccer career up to this point and without them I am not sure how dedicated I could be. They are the reason I know how to love the sports I play.

Now in a different realm I also participate in track. I have gotten many ribbons and medals from state/regional track meets for my high school. Track is newer to me than soccer is. I joined in sixth grade and sixth through eighth grade. I specialized in race walking where I won three ribbons (two first place, one third). When I got to high school, race walk was less practiced and more of a joke so I gave it up and I joined the distance crew. I was upset by letting go of something that had given me so much success, but now I am grateful because I have made huge strides in distance regardless of the fact that running far distances was very new. I also triple jump and that has been very successful in my high school career. I am able to participate in both distance and jumping while earning points for my team. Track has been a wonderful experience where I learned how much I love running and how hard it is to reach your goals. Track is the reason why I try harder and harder to get personal records because that brings me joy and pride. My parents have also supported me in this new leap of faith and it has given me new perspective and let me discover new skills I never knew I had. 

These sports have been a part of my life and are a huge part of my identity now. Whether I am practicing or I am watching the US women's team crush their opponent or watching a champion track meet (while studying their results). I love to see others play or run and jump because it peaks my interest but also involves me in the sport off the field or track. Throughout my sports career I have enjoyed being a part of a team because it shows me how everyone wants to get better and it creates an amazing environment that encourages you to do your best. My teams have not only taught me how to be confident in my play but also how to be confident as a leader. I am always talking on the field and encouraging others to participate. My dedication to soccer and track has made me a better athlete and a better person so I wish to continue one or both in my college experience.

College is something I have always known that I would go to. It's been a goal to go to college and continue my education for a long time. Now I know that I want to play sports in college because I love soccer and track very much. However, academics is a priority as well. I have always strived to have a high GPA and currently I have a 4.0 out of a 4.0 at my high school. I study long and hard keeping in mind that academics controls my sports life just as much as my normal life, so I always need to maintain my grades. Along with keeping good grades I also participate in clubs. When I was a freshman I was elected to serve on the student senate where I presented my graduating class and I tried to fundraise for our graduation. This extra activity enhanced my intellectual health and has given me a variety of skills to work on. Being an athlete is important to my life values but so are my academics so I strive to be well rounded to benefit my future.