On February 7, Linganore (LHS) senior Emma Arnold signed her National Letter of Intent to play soccer for Juniata College. Juniata is a private, religious school located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. 

Arnold has been playing soccer for 15 years and has continued to follow this passion into high school, she was a part of Linganore’s soccer team during her freshman and sophomore year. She continued playing for Freedom Soccer Club at Marriotts Ridge High School and Krimgold Park for the remainder of her high school career. 

Her skills on the field are very advanced, Arnold claims to be flexible at any position on the field, both at practice and in games.

Brian Boussy, Arnold’s Freedom Club Soccer coach, claims her versatility in positions is key on the field based on his past experiences as a former college soccer coach. 

“During my 11 years at McDaniel, I have seen lots of players come in having only played one position and then they are moved to a new spot to help the college team,” Boussy says. “The fact that Emma has seen the field from every level and has played well both wide and central is really impressive.”

In addition to her adaptiveness, Arnold always keeps a positive attitude on the field and is a leader to her peers. 

Boussy notes that she always keeps her head up no matter the situation for the team. 

“[There] could be horrible weather, we could be in a tough training activity, or a game might not be going our way but [Arnold] is always positive.” Boussy said.

Arnold looks forward to going to Juniata for college, not only for her sport, but for the environment of the school. Both Arnold and her parents have mentioned great things about how inclusive and welcoming the college is.

“I’ve really felt like it [was] the right place for me,” Arnold said. “It also reminds me a lot of where I used to grow up, so being [a] very small, tight knit community is what I wanted and that’s what I got.” 

Matthew Arnold, Arnold’s father, found that everyone at Juniata was very welcoming and helpful to Emma Arnold met when visiting the college. 

“Everyone’s extremely friendly, and the professors seem to really care about the students, so I’m excited,” Matthew Arnold said. “I know Emma really enjoyed the relationship [that] the students [got] to develop with the professors.”

Arnold’s mother, Karen Arnold, shares her excitement for Arnold to move onto college and what she’ll succeed in. 

“It’s exciting but also sad because [Arnold is] our youngest so I’m gonna miss her,” said Karen Arnold.