EMMA OGDAHL '26 Recruiting Profile

Ever since I was young I always knew soccer was my passion. I started playing when I was 5 and for the first 6 years of playing, my dad was always my coach. He would start by coaching my Rec team, then starting his own club team called Rossford Soccer Club, and once more girls from all around Toledo started joining, we called it Northern Buckeye United Soccer Club. We started out by having a couple girls who wanted to join, and soon had tons of requests to join our team. My dad played soccer in college and ever since I've started playing, he's always supported me. After practice, we would stay and take shots on goal and he would teach me how to dribble and pass. He is the reason why my love for the game is so strong. Once I turned 10, I joined GTFC Impact and soon after, my dad and I both knew it was time for me to start a new soccer journey. Even still, he always takes me to the fields and still shoots on goal with me and still gives me drills and skills to practice. So, whenever I am on the field I play for him as well. I remember everything he taught me and try to utilize the unique skills and techniques in games. 

What separates me from anyone else is my love for the game and my work ethic. I have discipline, grit, and a strong mentality. I have never played because my parents or anyone else forced me to. I play because I love the game so much. When I was thirteen I was diagnosed with an immune disorder called ITP. I couldn't play soccer for months and it was very hard for me to see my teammates and friends playing the sport I love while I had to sit on the sidelines. I was devastated. When I was cured and able to play again, I remember how happy I was, but other than being happy, I was also grateful. Since then, I vowed to never take anything for granted, including my love for the game. I knew I always loved soccer but didn't realize how much until it was gone.

I train on my own everyday; I workout before practice and do skills work after practice. I have earned several best XI teams from several big tournaments. When I was fourteen, I even won the golden ball at the USYS Nationals! This past High School Season I was honored with several first team awards.  Playing in college is my dream and playing professionally after college is an even bigger dream of mine. I look forward to improving even more at the collegiate level. As much as I hope to continue my soccer career in college, I also hope to thrive academically. I have a 3.8 GPA and I've always wanted to major in business. These are the reasons I hope to play in college and why I would be a good addition to any team.