LYNN — After helping lead the Spartans to success as a four-year varsity player on the St. Mary’s girls soccer team, Lynn native Emily Egan has committed to continue her education and soccer career at Suffolk University in Boston.
“I started talking to the coach and they showed interest in me right away,” Egan said. “I always knew that I wanted to play soccer at the next level, I just wasn’t sure where. But when I visited Suffolk and did an overnight, I realized it was the perfect fit being in the city.”
Egan left her mark wherever she was needed on the field during her time at St. Mary’s, becoming a well-rounded player that played multiple roles in the midfield and in the back end.
“When we had injuries in our defense last year we had to move Emily to sweeper,” Spartans coach Jim Foley said. “She plays a defensive-minded game anyway so that helped her a bit. She stepped back there, really opened play for us and did what she had to do.”
Changing positions during her senior season wasn’t the most welcome prospect for Egan at first, but after she adjusted it helped her all-around game.
“I was definitely disappointed at first,” Egan said. “Having to change positions for senior year was disappointing. But eventually it opened my eyes and started to give me a better perspective for the game.”
“It speaks a lot of her as a player,” Foley said. “That’s a lot to ask of a player to move positions after being in the midfield for two years. She moved around a lot but she helped us solidify those positions.”
It’s experiences like that and working with her Spartans teammates that have made her time at St. Mary’s worthwhile, Egan says.
“Honestly, the past four years at St. Mary’s have been amazing and unforgettable,” Egan said. “It was the best four years I could’ve asked for. I got to play with some of my best friends and I think it made me a better teammate on the field.”
Egan, who is still trying to find the best fitting major at Suffolk, also isn’t sure what role she’ll play for the Rams on the field — whether it be in the midfield or on defense.
“During my discussions with the coach we never really talked specifically about what position I’d play,” Egan said. “But I’m open to try anything. I’ve tried every position throughout my soccer career besides goalie really, so I’m confident I can fit in wherever they need me.”
“I know Emily is going to have a good career at Suffolk,” Foley said. “I’m still not sure where she’ll end up playing but she has the experience everywhere and she’s a great player so I’m sure she’ll find a spot.”
Either way Egan is hoping to hop right into the mix for the Rams this fall and has her sights set on picking up her offensive game at the next level.
“I’m looking forward to going right in and hoping to get some good minutes my freshman year,” Egan said. “I want to try to get a little more offensive in my game and maybe put in some goals too.”
