Andrews discusses the responsibilities of being a captain, and the impact she's made on her team. "I have always wanted to be a captain because the Highland Park girls soccer program has given so much to me,” Andrews said. “Being captain has allowed me to be able to give back to the program." Photo by Libby Howell.
By Libby Howell
Amidst every school sport, ranging from soccer to basketball, there are some who stand out against the whole team. The people who bring spirit, sportsmanship and friendship to each team: the captains.
“I want to make sure that every single girl in our program has the best experience possible,” girls soccer captain Emerson Andrews said.
Becoming a captain is a lengthy process. Before the application even starts, potential candidates must demonstrate leadership.
“We have many opportunities where you can volunteer and it gets your name out there and it helps your other teammates to be able to look up to you,” Andrews said.
After Andrews initial efforts to contribute to the team, she then submitted her captain application and gave a speech in front of the whole soccer team.
“We have a captain panel with all the old captains, they ask us questions, and then we hold a vote,” Andrews said.
Andrews’ love for soccer began when she was first introduced to the sport over a decade ago.
“I started playing soccer when I was 3-years-old and I decided it was the sport I wanted to play forever,” Andrews said.
Because Andrews started the sport at such a young age, she always envisioned herself as a future captain.
“I want to make sure that every single girl in our program has the best experience possible."
“I have always wanted to be a captain because the Highland Park girls soccer program has given so much to me,” Andrews said. “Being captain has allowed me to be able to give back to the program.”
As a graduating senior, Andrews will continue to pursue the sport she loves in college, where she will be playing Division I soccer at the University of Kentucky.
“It is something that I didn’t even have to think about because I can’t see myself not playing soccer,” Andrews said.
While at college, not only will Andrews be able to participate in the sport she loves, but she will also have exciting new opportunities.
“It gives me opportunities to make more money with brand deals or NIL (name, image, and likeness) profits and it could also give me the opportunity to play professionally,” Andrews said.
Andrews looks forward to the endless leadership opportunities and future career success that her position as a captain will bring.
“I think it is a really cool opportunity that will eventually set me up really well for future careers and jobs and stuff,” Andrews said.