Lake Highland soccer scholar scores big

Emma Bloom always had it in her to be an athlete, but she wanted to make sure she was a student first. Bloom was one of 29 girls in the country to be selected for the 2012 National Soccer Coaches Association of America High School Scholar All-America Team. Now the soon-to-be Lake Highland Preparatory School grad is committed to play for Rollins College next year.

And she’s leaving a trail of achievements behind. Two years spent as captain of the girls’ varsity soccer team helped hone her leadership skills. She’s also earned a 3.9 weighted GPA in the classroom, and has put in countless hours in her community and even across the globe.

Emma and her mother, Lee Anne, experienced a life-changing trip on a church mission to Malawi, Africa when she was in ninth grade. During the time in Africa, the Blooms chose to sponsor a family and helped to get the kids in that family sponsored.

David Bloom, Emma’s father, has since been back to Malawi twice and says that the summer after Emma’s trip, she was a celebrity.

“The fact that I was her father and they knew her, they had pictures of her,” he said. “And even still, we have a friend who is spending a year there now, and they still talk about ‘Emma the soccer player.’ “

Sacrifice and selflessness are nothing new to her. On the soccer field her team’s success matters more to Bloom than her own individual accolades, she said.

Emma’s unassuming nature wouldn’t allow you to guess that she has received such a high honor. Her approach and attitude toward the award are refreshing. In an era where egos reign supreme in the sports world, Bloom defines humility.

“We were all pretty surprised,” said Bloom. “To be honest, I’m still pretty shocked.”

That wouldn’t seem so surprising considering her training schedule. For Bloom, soccer is a year-round sport. Not only does she excel at Lake Highland Preparatory School, but she also plays for a club team, CFK Krush, with hopes of taking her talents to the next level. She said she realizes that all of the time spent is going to be taxing on her mentally and physically, but she made it clear that it’s worth it, and that her teammates make it easier with their support.

Despite the challenge of the time commitment she pledges each year to playing soccer, Bloom says that she does all she can to make sure that each team knows that she’s doing her best for both teams.

“She’s empathetic and kind, not self-serving, but very much focused on the big picture,” said Lee Anne Bloom. “She has a very unique gift that she brings to the team and to other people.”

Emma said she is very thankful for having received this recognition. Having seen life in impoverished parts of Africa, she’s experienced a perspective on a whole other level.

“I’m really happy that I go to Lake Highland and that I’ve been on the team there,” Emma said. “To be on the club team that I’ve been on and then to go to Rollins…I’m just really thankful for all I have.”