Wallenpaupack’s Emma Ey.
Emma Ey is committed to working toward a dream in a sport she loves.
In January, the Wallenpaupack freshman and Times-Tribune All-Region field hockey player was selected to the U-16 United States Women’s National Team.
Since then, Ey has worked with the top players in the country at her level while also continuing to develop her skills. Her success is a result of the time she has put in and the sacrifices both she and her family have made in this pursuit of excellence.
“I am so grateful,” Ey, 15, said. “It is a huge opportunity. It has been a goal of mine since I was very young. It’s an honor to be selected, and I am grateful to have the support of my family, friends, coaches and teachers. It means the world to me to be a member of the USA National Team. It is an amazing opportunity.”
While her journey to the national team began several years ago as a youth player, it progressed significantly in the last year.
In March, Ey spent three weekends at college campuses for the Nexus Region 5 Camp. USA Field Hockey evaluated the athletes for selection and advancement.
In May, she participated in the Region 5 Selection Camp where her skills impressed and she was selected to the Nexus Championship in July in Virginia Beach.
There, she competed against the top girls in the country. Her performance earned her a tryout for the U16 Junior National tryout at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
During the fall, Ey made her varsity debut at Wallenpaupack High School. She had 31 goals, nine assists and 108 steals. Wallenpaupack reached the District 2 Class 2A quarterfinals, with a 15-5 overall record, and finished 13-1 in the Wyoming Valley Conference Division II.
“I love playing with my best friends,” Ey said. “Our mentality is team first. We are all very close, and we all play well off each other. The seniors last season were so helpful in leading and teaching us about building a winning culture.”
After that intense summer and outstanding season with the Lady Buckhorns, the first round of selection camp was held in December. Ey was invited back for the second round of camp in January, then learned her efforts were rewarded by being named to the team.
“I just want to thank all of my coaches,” Ey said. “I wouldn’t be the player I am without their guidance. They shape me to be the player that I am, and they keep challenging me and being the best player I can be.”
There are demands and travel requirements to being a member of the National Team. In March and May, Ey must train at camps in North Carolina, aiming to be chosen for the travel team.
“Doing the little things well makes a big difference,” Ey said. “Having good body language, interacting with the team, and leading — it all counts. It is not just about skills; it is about being a better player on and off the field.”
In addition, Ey attends practices with her club team, Electric City Surge, based in Kingston. All of this while also maintaining her studies. She is an honor roll student and active in student council.
“Both my wife and I are educators at Wallenpaupack, and we have been fortunate to carve out the time needed,” said her father, Travis, who principal at Wallenpaupack Area High School. “It is Emma’s dream to compete at a national level. We are fortunate to have the means to support her as she follows this dream.”
Ey is also a member of the Wallenpaupack track and field program. She is a sprinter and javelin thrower.
“The coaches have been so accommodating,” Ey said. “They understand my passion for field hockey. It’s helpful to have coaches who help me be a well-rounded athlete.
“I also have to thank my parents. They are helping me travel to get to tournaments and camps. It’s just been such a great experience.”