From a young age, Naperville North High School athlete Emily Buescher was passionate about sports, more specifically, soccer. She began her soccer career at only three years old, stuck with it through high school, and is now preparing to continue into college.
The positive and uplifting impact that Buescher has made has been acknowledged by both her coaches and teammates. Her ability to maintain a strong bond with her teammates, while also continuing to improve her abilities, proved her dedication to the sport and made her the perfect fit as a team captain.
Buescher described her mindset throughout her final season of NNHS Girls Soccer.
“I’ve always had a very heavy foot-to-the pedal mentality… so I think it’s kinda me always pushing towards a constant climb,” Buescher said.
For Buescher, soccer was the sport that had always given her the outlet that she needed. The combination of having individual control while also being able to work with a team to reach a common goal was something that always stood out to her, furthering her drive as a player.
Girls Varsity Soccer Assistant Coach Jim Konrad shared his experience coaching Buescher on the team.
“Her high standard for herself is contagious among her teammates. She keeps the bar really high for her teammates to try to achieve as well.” Konrad said.
The team dynamic of NNHS Girls Soccer is one filled with encouragement and dedication. Every person on the team strives for excellence as well as a strong team bond. Buescher believed the environment on the field should be filled with support, with everyone always trying to help each other improve.
Sophomore, Kennedy Bertsch, described how Buescher follows out this mantra.
“She’s so supportive and she knows so much about soccer, so if you have questions or anything she’s definitely a person to go to. She’s someone that you want to be around and a great person to have on your team,” Bertsch said.
After high school, Buescher will continue to play soccer at the Division I level at the University of Minnesota. The support of her friends, family and coaches have helped her to always be her best, both as a player and as a human. She has stated that her coaches and teammates have always lifted her up, even after a difficult game.
Head coach Steven Goletz shared what he would like to see Emily achieve beyond high school.
“I want to see Emily play as long as she possibly can. She’s a kid who has a bright future moving forward,” Goletz said.
