Emma Herko ’25 certainly made the most of her first trip outside the United States. Although her July excursion was focused on soccer and an international tournament that saw the WardlaLAartridge sophomore standout help her team finish third in a very competitive field, Emma also enjoyed an opportunity to see the world.
Selected from among several club teams to play with NJ14 Soccer Club, Emma and her teammates competed in the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden in a U15 bracket that featured 118 teams representing 12 nations. A center attacking midfielder who also played striker and wing in the tournament, Emma scored two goals and added three assists to propel her team to a 7-1 record. She also was named a team captain.
“From this soccer experience, I learned how to adjust and organize quickly as an individual and team to be successful against various styles of play,” Emma said. “I also learned how to become mentally tougher, as the environment was similar to that of a professional match. Many people were watching, and most of the teams we played had large fan sections with various chants, drums, etc. that could be distracting and intimidating. But with team unity and belief, we were able to be successful, not just on the pitch but in our mindset.”
The NJ14 Soccer Club defeated many quality teams, including clubs from Sweden, Norway and a Denmark side that was projected to win the Cup. That victory earned Emma’s team the distinction of “bracket destroyers” and powered the NJ14 Soccer Club to a third-place finish. Emma was driven to elevate her game against a new level of competition and she was not intimidated.
“Playing at the Gothia Cup made me a better player by challenging my individual style of play against international talents and stars. I developed my personal skills by executing them at a higher and faster level than what I usually face in the States. I also developed more leadership skills by helping guide and lift up this very talented squad,” Emma said.
She also traveled to Spain, France, Finland, England and Iceland during her trip. She unexpectedly met LA teacher and coach Lee Nicholls in Spain outside of FC Barcelona's stadium, Camp Nou, one of nine stadiums in four countries Emma visited in Europe.
Emma is excited to build on her international experience and get back on the field with her LA teammates. A Rookie of the Year nominee who was named to the state’s Top 100 Freshmen List, Emma is ready to take the Rams to the next level.
“What I'm most looking forward to with the LA team this upcoming fall is continuing the progression we've made from last year,” said Emma, who had three goals and 12 assists in her freshman season for the Rams. “At the end of the 2021 season, we were connecting very well and at the height of our development. I'm excited to return to high school soccer this season to continue developing as a unit, and to add some new players to the squad.”