Maize High School senior Emery Atchison has built his soccer career around persistence, preparation and the relationships formed with teammates along the way. A team captain during his junior and senior seasons, Atchison brings the same steady work ethic to the field that he has admired in others throughout his life.
His grandfather has been one of his biggest influences.
“I am very inspired by my grandpa, he has always been a role model to me, a very hard worker who never gives up on anything he does. His work ethic is better than anyone I know and that has made a great impact on my life; watching him since I was a kid and learning to never stop trying.”
Atchison has also trained for several years at Elite Athletic Training with Vincent Martin, another person whose example has helped shape his approach.
“He inspires me by his determination, motivation and the way he strives to reach his own goals. He is always pushing and encouraging me to be my best.”
Atchison began playing soccer at age 3 and has continued developing his game through individual training and a commitment to learning. He values the shared experience that comes with competing alongside friends and working toward a common purpose.
“I love being able to grow closer to my teammates and have fun while also working towards a common goal of winning. I really enjoy team dinners and bonding closer with my friends. I love being able to experience the highs and lows with my teammates, and becoming better together.”
As a captain, Atchison has looked to former teammate Roman Schmidt as an example of how to lead. Schmidt was a captain when Atchison was a freshman, leaving an impression through his selflessness and commitment to the group.
“I’ve now been a Team Captain for my own Junior and Senior years and I’ve used Roman’s example to encourage my teammates not only during regular practices & games but also organize and lead extra training and scrimmages.”
Away from soccer, Atchison enjoys science, especially labs and experiments. He plans to major in environmental science at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he has committed to continue his soccer career. His interest in Colorado also fits his love of hiking and spending time outdoors.
Athletics has helped Atchison develop skills that will carry into that next chapter.
“Being a student athlete has taught me many lessons, the main one is having to keep my priorities straight, being able to juggle school demands and soccer at the same time, as well as other extracurricular activities.”
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