Emma Watkins signed her National Letter of Intent to continue playing field hockey at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

#NationalSigningDay2022: Emma Watkins finds her match at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

"One team, One family"

by Madeline Hull, Avery Glynn, JP Lyons, Lindsay Shade, and Morgan Thompson

Emma Watkins (right) and Maeve Smarick (left) at Field Hockey camp in elementary school. (Courtesy of Emma Watkins)

On February 2, Emma Watkins signed her National Letter of Intent to continue playing NCAA Division III field hockey at St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM).

Watkins started playing field hockey in third grade after taking a summer camp. Fellow senior field hockey player and friend, Maeve Smarick started playing the year before Watkins did. Smarick pushed Watkins to come to the camp and try it.

No sport clicked for Watkins until field hockey. After the camp she fell in love with the game and continued to do camps and clubs.

Watkins is currently captain of the varsity field hockey team while also playing for Maryland Legacy, a rec-league located in Frederick.

On November 3, the varsity field hockey team ended their fall season, losing the playoff game against Walkersville (MD) by a score of 2-1.

Overall, the field hockey team had a 11-4 record (73% Win). With a PF (points the team has scored) of 31 and a PA (points against the LHS team) of 15.

Maryland Legacy Field Hockey is a youth field hockey program (K – 12) with the goal of allowing each and every athlete to reach their full potential–athletically, mentally and their field hockey IQ.

The SMCM Field Hockey program competes in the Coast to Coast Conference, the NCAA Division III, and the Atlantic East Conference. The St. Mary’s College women’s Field Hockey team finished as the 2021 Atlantic East Runner-Up.

The recruitment process was more than stressful for Watkins. After what felt like forever, Watkins found her home.

“I started the whole recruiting process very late due to COVID-19. That made me very nervous and anxious. I was worried it wouldn’t happen. It just made everything happen so much later. As soon as I verbally committed it was a huge weight off my shoulders because I knew that my spot at St. Mary’s wasn’t going to be around forever,” said Watkins.

Landalh has been coaching Watkins in one way or another for the last nine years. Watkins has been a star player on varsity starting her freshman year. Watkins never makes selfish decisions, she supports all her teammates, and most of all fights for her team. Named Most Valuable Player, Watkins has sure made an impact on the team.

After committing to St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Watkins looks forward to starting in the fall. “I have friends that play on the team at St. Mary’s and they always talk about how everyone is friendly and how good the team dynamic is. It carries out onto the field because of that,” said Watkins. (Courtesy of @linganore_fieldhockey)

“Coach Landhal was always a huge support. I would always ask her questions and she was always there and patiently answered,” said Watkins.

Watkins plays midfield as well as forward. She is planning to change her focus the forward position in college.

“I’ve always been told my speed is really helpful in the game of field hockey,” said Watkins.

During the 2021 season, Watkins made a total of 11 shots, 19 shots on goal, 7 assists, 11 offensive points and 2 defensive saves.

Watkins’ father, has attended all of her tournaments, championships and games.

“Obviously my parents were some of my biggest supporters, especially my dad. He drives me to all my tournaments, and comes to all my games. My little brother as well, he loves field hockey. Probably more than me.” said Watkins.

As The National Public Honors College, St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers an undergraduate liberal arts education and small-college experience, like those found at exceptional private colleges.

With a small student-to-faculty ratio, one of the lowest in the nation of 9:1, Watkins looks forward to being able to build relationships with her professors, which is something she has learned helps with her education.

The beautiful views of the coast, were yet just another thing that appealed to Watkins.

Playing in the midfield position as well as forward, Watkins overtook the Oakdale team with a final score of 1-0. (Courtesy of Emma Watkins)

Watkins plans to major in psychology and minor in education. She is currently enrolled in AP Psychology.

While most student athletes struggle with the balance of academics and athletics, Watkins has never been phased.

“I’ve always had to have sports to keep me on track with my academics. It’s good for me to make a timeframe. Get my work done at this time and have practice at this time. Doing both at the same time has always helped me manage my time better. Which is funny because it’s almost always the opposite for most people,” said Watkins.

Watkins serves as secretary for the National Honor Society as well as the Fashion Club Vice President. All while taking honors classes.