We recently caught up with FirstPoint USA client, Emma Hayes, one of the newest soccer players to join the ranks here at FirstPoint USA. Originally hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, Emma moved to Montrose, Scotland at the age of six. Where, she attended Lochside Primary School and Montrose Academy. Here, Emma shares with us her sporting background, her reasons for wishing to pursue a sports scholarship in the US, and her aspirations for the future.
Emma states that she was introduced to soccer from a young age as she has two older brothers and five half-brothers. However, it wasn’t until she was 13-years-old that Emma began to play for a team; Montrose U15s. Throughout this time, Emma was also attending athletics locally, competing nationally for her school and club; winning Nationals for pole vault and placing first in Scotland for U15 girls. During her second year playing for Montrose girls, Emma was awarded Parents Player of the Year as well as Coaches Player of the Year.
With many sporting achievements attained so far, we asked Emma to tell us about her favourite sporting memories to date. With regards to soccer, Emma stated her favourites would be making her debut for Montrose FC Women’s team, winning both Parent and Coaches Player of the Year in one season, as well as training for regionals. However, outside of soccer, Emma states that she had won Sports Championships at her school for three years in a row, in addition to being awarded Young Achiever of the Year by her school in both 2016 and 2017.
Emma tells us that pursuing a scholarship to the USA is something that she wished to do as it has always been in her nature to challenge herself academically as well as athletically. The opportunity will also provide Emma with the option to explore an entirely different culture to that in Scotland, in addition to providing her with the option of exploring her academic interests before choosing a major. Emma states that, upon beginning her life as a student-athlete, she is most looking forward to learning how to balance her academic commitments whilst also improving her soccer skills, as well as playing soccer with different girls from all over the world.
We asked Emma to tell us about her top three sportsmen and women of all time...
“My favourite sportswomen of all time is Carli Lloyd. This is because of her motivation to constantly improve herself and her ability to take control and positively influence her fellow teammates.
Serena Williams is one of my favourite sportswomen, not only because of her passion, determination and motivation in her sport, but also because of how she has promoted a positive body image to many young women throughout her career.
My third favourite sportsperson would have to be Lionel Messi. This is because of his ability to control the game and influence outcomes. Not only that, I find it inspiring how generous and humble Messi is.”
Finally, we asked Emma where she sees herself being in 10 years time. She stated, she sees herself having completed a successful sports scholarship and obtained a degree in America. Adding, she hopes to still be playing soccer at a high standard.
We’d like to thank Emma for catching up with us. We'll keep you updated on Emma’s progress throughout the scholarship process across our various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply to FirstPoint USA today for your chance to head to the States on a sports scholarship:
