Athlete Spotlight: Emily Ball of Freedom Girls Soccer

Emily Ball is a senior leader on the Freedom High School Patriots girls soccer team. She's helped guide her team to three straight regional appearances and she's not content to stop there.

"I would like to push further than we ever have here at Freedom," said Ball. "My sophomore year, we made the regional semifinals; I think we can push past that this year."

Patch: Even though you lost this district final to Steinbrenner, what can you take from this match?

Ball: This can only raise your level of play when you play a team like that. It can only make you better.

Patch: How confident are you going forward into regionals next week?

Ball: I'm confident. The team has been picking up momentum the last few games.

Patch: What has improved the most in your game over the course of this season?

Ball: My kicking.

Patch: What have you observed as the most improved aspect of the team this season?

Ball: Working together, connecting and communicating.

No matter how the season turns out for Freedom, Ball's career will continue. She recently committed to play collegiate soccer at the University of South Carolina.