News Archives: Sydney Embleton - Featured Athlete of the Week
Tuesday, September 17th, 2019
Name: Sydney Embleton
Jersey Number. Is there a story behind it? I have three favourite numbers; 6, 7 and 17. These are my favourite numbers because when I first got into competitive sports these were the numbers I had on my jerseys. They are special because I had to earn my spot on each of the teams, which makes wearing them that much more important to me. I’m wearing 6 this year.
Hometown: Vernon, British Columbia
High School: Vernon Secondary School (VSS)
At what age did you start playing your sport? I started playing soccer at the age of five. Growing up I had participated in many sports but had always continued with soccer.
What drew you to the game? I remember playing house soccer and thinking that it was not challenging enough for me, and wanting more from the sport. From there I joined rep soccer, I played rep for four years. Throughout those four years, I made great progress in skills on and off the pitch, drive, always giving 100% and friendships. After those four years, I still felt I wanted more of a challenge, and tried out for . I finished high school playing for TOFC and continued to improve, and that’s when I signed with GPRC. Overall, I think what drew me to the game was the excitement of being challenged by my teammates, coaches, and opponents. I love being challenged because I know it is the best way to grow and develop as a person, so I definitely think the challenge attracted me to the sport and my love for the game.
What is your fondest memory of your sport? My fondest memory of the sport would be when my rep team won silver at Provincials. It was one of the most exciting experiences I have been a part of. Personally, every time my team does well or we have a good game; whether we have won, or loss. That is the fondest memory for me. If I feel like I have left everything on the pitch and done everything I could have done in that time, that is when I am the happiest.
Any pre or post-game rituals that you would be willing to share? How do you prepare? I would not consider it a ritual but depending on which colour of uniform we wear; I will change my cleats. Black cleats with the black uniform, and white cleats with the grey/ white uniform. I prefer to have my headphones for the bus if we are away and listen to music while we are travelling to the pitch, whereas if we are home, I only like music in the change room. I also enjoy dancing and singing in the change room to keep the mood lightened and to have a bit of fun with the girls before we get serious. I find if I can make a teammate laugh a little before the match, I am helping release some of the nerves they might have and giving them a positive outlook on what’s ahead. This is how I maintain my focus, and how I stay driven for the game.
What are your future goals? A future goal of mine would be to continue to be happy. Life is about enjoying what you’re doing and living it to the fullest. I am unsure of where my journey is headed but I know it is bright. Hard work, dedication, and positivity have gotten me to where I am today and will continue to help me further in life. Another future goal of mine is to make Nationals this year. This team of girls is so bright and it would be an amazing experience for us. I look forward to seeing what the rest of this year has in store for me.
From Head Coach Chris Morgan:
Any special game moments, stats you’d like to share? Sydney had an excellent weekend despite the final results for women’s soccer. Sydney adapted for the team at Friday’s game and played right back and centre back to eliminate the pace of the TKU forward line and did an excellent job. Against Concordia on Saturday, Sydney played in her natural wing position but had to revert to centre back due to an injury to Meghan Dalziel. Sydney played well in both games, never stopped running and played through the pain barrier all weekend – a wonderful example for her teammates to follow.
What does this player bring to the dynamics of the team? Sydney brings super energy, tremendous work rate and no little skill to all practices and games. Sydney is always a threat going forward with her pace and crossing ability and scored last weekend vs. Keyano. Her versatility enables her to play in multiple positions for the team. Sydney has a wonderful personality and is always up for a laugh with her teammates. She is serious when it comes to her soccer, always showing a burning desire to compete and succeed. Well done Sydney.