Athlete of the Month: Emma Suneja
All images provided by Emma Suneja.
Riley Veenendaal
Congratulations to March’s Female Athlete of the Month, Emma Suneja! Emma is a current junior here at Hamilton. She is a part of the Girls’ Varsity Hamilton co-op Lacrosse team. Emma has been a member of the varsity team since her freshman year. Emma also was the captain of the team last season.
Sienna Kenney speaks highly of Emma, stating, “I have known Emma Suneja since she was in 8th grade and came to some practices at the high school for more playing time. From the moment I met her, I saw her as devoted, strong willed, and incredibly talented. She has the ability to bond with the team and keep everyone motivated in a way that pushes us forward and helps us get better every year. I am grateful for Emma as a leader, a player, and a friend and I am blessed to have had three years playing with her.”
Keep reading to learn more about Emma!
How long have you played lacrosse, and why do you play?
I have played lacrosse for 8 years through many different teams. I started playing for Brookfield Lacrosse since there was nowhere in Sussex or Menomonee Falls for me to play. I play lacrosse because I truly love the sport. It sounds cheesy, but I genuinely found my love and passion for lacrosse. It always brings a smile to my face and it was a fundamental part of my childhood.
Who is your athlete role model, and why?
My athlete role model is my best friend Claire. She and I have played lacrosse throughout my childhood and she has always been there for me. When I was on a toxic team and I wanted to quit, she was the one who helped me get through that period in my life. We now play together on the high school team and she is the best teammate I could ask for. Currently, she is abroad in Japan, but I cannot wait to play with her when she gets back.
What is your main goal this season?
My main goal this season is to set up my team on the offensive end. I am an attacker and I do love to score; however, I also want to make sure my teammates are set up to score this season. I was the high scorer my freshman year and now I want to focus on taking a step back and setting up my teammates to score. I am hoping to grow as a leader and help lead my team to a great season.
What are your future plans involving lacrosse?
Unfortunately, my lacrosse career will end in high school. While I do love the sport, I don't think I could handle the life of a student athlete in college while doing a double major. My plan is to focus on my academics since I do want to go to law school. I love the sport and I hope to play recreationally as I grow up, but actually playing for a team will end in high school.
Do you play any other sports and if so what?
I used to play tennis as well to help with my footwork for lacrosse, but I ended up quitting to have time for drama.
Do you have any teammates, coaches, parents, or other people in your life that have helped as an athlete?
My newest coach, Coach Gibbs, has had an extremely large impact on my life despite only being in it for a short while. He is a great coach and I trust him immensely with his ability to lead the team. He has rekindled some of the love for the sport I lost when I was on such a toxic team. Coach Gibbs makes me excited to go to practice and play this season. My father has also been my biggest cheerleader throughout my career. He has driven me all over the Midwest while I was playing for my club team. He has always been at my games cheering me on and bringing me water during hot summer tournaments.
Besides lacrosse, what are some of your other hobbies?
Aside from lacrosse I am also in drama and show choir. A big part of my life is performing. It also really helps with my footwork because I am able to control my feet in intricate ways better than if I solely did lacrosse drills for footwork. I think there is a lot of benefit to being both in sports and in the arts.
What are your pre-game rituals?
When I played goalie I would always tap the posts with my stick. This did help center myself so I knew where the goal was behind me, but it was also a great way to release some pent up energy and stress. Now that I am an attacker, I always have sour patch kids on the sidelines. I'm not sure when it started but my team always has sour patch kids to hype us up. Maybe it's the sugar rush, maybe it's placebo, but I feel better once I've had sour patch kids.
