Until just a few years ago, all I knew about soccer was the name Pelé. Now, I have two granddaughters playing the sport, both goalkeepers, and am truly captivated with the physical fitness, technical skills and teamwork it takes to succeed at the game. Their passion with the sport has them competing all over the state and sometimes country.
My friend Kathy Castenir’s granddaughter, Emberly Loveland, is also a goalkeeper having ended up in the goal after starting out playing forward at the beginning of her soccer career which started at the early age of 6. At first being the keeper was by accident, however the position eventually grew on her and over the years, Emberly has worked hard to advance her skills because it is a very technical position.
Angel Ubide from The Goalkeeping Mind describes goalkeeping: “The role of the goalkeeper is never well understood except by other goalkeepers. Goalkeepers are lonely specialists, put in a position that is mostly a setup for failure. They rarely touch the ball, when they do they have all the spotlight, saves are expected and mistakes are very costly.” Why would anyone want to be a goalkeeper? Ubide continues, “Because it is a beautiful place to be. You see the whole game, you command the defense and you can save your team. You are in charge.”
Emberly with grandparents, Rocky and Kathy Castenir
Emberly has been part of the Karns High School soccer team even though injuries kept her from playing. She also has been a member of the competitive CRUSH 05 girls’ soccer team for several years and has been the primary keeper for the last two years. Additionally, Emberly was able to participate in National Keeper Wars where she has been able to increase her exposure and make lifelong friends.
Emberly’s hard work turned into a scholarship offer to play soccer at Bryan College. She says, “Overall being a soccer player as well as a student can be challenging, but it has helped me grow as a person because of the mental and physical challenges that come with this position. I am very excited to continue my soccer career in college.”
Front: Kelaney, Emberly, Kasten; (back) Erick, Karah
Mom, Karah, agrees, “I’m so proud of Emberly for reaching her goal of playing soccer in college. She had a unique high school career that was plagued with injuries but she stuck with it and overcame those obstacles.”
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