By Eason Dong – Staff Reporter

Junior Emily Vella is ready to lead the Jonathan Law girls soccer team back into the playoffs.

Vella broke the Jonathan Law career scoring record earlier this season when she scored her 40th career goal in a win against Foran on September 13. Vella has very high hopes for her team this season.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to get double-digit wins,” Vella said. “Very relieving to not have the pressure of having to break it anymore.”

Vella is an impactful offensive player for the girls’ soccer team and is the team’s leading scorer.

“As a player, Emily is a game changer,” Head Coach Mrs Francisco said. “Her skills are among the highest that I have had the pleasure of coaching and it’s fun to watch her play.“

Teammates said that Vella is one of the few players that opposing teams fear playing against. 

“Emily is such a hardworking player and an essential part of our team,” Senior Captain Fiorella Gargiulo said. “She is extremely fast and has amazing ball skill, and teams are definitely scared to go against her.”

Vella is the lead attacker for Law, looking to score even more goals this season and open up opportunities for her teammates to score, too.

“As a junior and already scoring 40 goals, she clearly leads our attack, though besides scoring goals, she is also always looking to create opportunities for her teammates as well,” Francisco said.

Vella does not just go above and beyond on the soccer field but also off the field as a teammate and friend.

“Emily is a very strategic, talented player who knows how to dribble through brick walls,” junior Ashlyn Smithauser said. “Not only is she good on the field, but she’s great off the field very kind friend.”

Teammates said Vella inspires others to believe in themselves and have confidence in overcoming challenges.

“Emily gives the team belief that they can overcome challenges,” freshman Kendall Upchurch said.

Vella may not be a captain yet, but she is already showing strong signs of leadership and hard work.

“The impact Emily brings to our team is she shows others what hard work, preparation, and focus look like,” Upchurch said. “Her consistent effort often leads to more wins and stronger teamwork.”