Emily-Jane Newbern '13 Recruiting Profile

If there is such a thing as an achievement junkie, that would be me. I live for soccer, I have been playing since I was four years old, but every game is a new thrill and challenge. I want a college soccer program that will help me become a better player. I also want team mates that will be as serious as I am on and off the field. I like to have fun as much as anybody but when its time to work, either in the classroom or on the field, I want to make the most of it.

I have always dreamed of playing division I soccer in college because of the commitment shared by the players and coaches. I can really visualize myself on a winning team. I love the process of being the best I can be, improving, and being in an environment that is supportive and energizing. To me the process is almost more important than winning. I adore winning but I know the process must come first to attain any dream.  I love to set goals even if it is to over come difficulty. Last year I had a labral tear  in both hips which resulted in two major surgeries. I had no doubt in my mind that I would recover and be better than before. After nine months of extreme therapy and a lot of ice baths, I came back to win the U-17 Atlanta Cup, scoring 4 goals have having 2 assists. I set goals for myself every step of the way, even if  it was just learning how to walk up stairs again. Also, I love to set goals for new challenges. This spring I decided to go out for the track team and pole vault. My first track meet I set a goal to just clear 7 feet, yet in the end I jumped over 8’6; beating my goal by a foot and 6 inches. This inspired me to set more goals, one step at a time, until I went to the state finals and jumped 9’6. Even though I have never pole vaulted before, I loved the process of setting goals and getting better every time. 

Since coming to Darlington School as a sophomore, I have aspired to improve my academics. The reason this was such a meaningful goal for me was I wanted a more academically challenging school and a school that could help me with my dyslexia and ADHD. When I was in the first grade, I had a teacher tell me  I would not amount to much. From that day forward I have had a determined attitude that my learning differences would not hold me back. I am willing to work as hard as is required to be successful, and I have found that hard work and a positive attitude to be a winning combination. I now have straight A’s.