photo by: Nick Krug

Free State's Emma Yackley controls the ball against Dodge City during the first half on May 14, 2018 at Free State High School.

When asked what Emma Yackley means to the Free State girls soccer program, head coach Kelly Barah said that there wasn’t enough time to give an appropriate answer.

It makes sense, too. The Free State senior has been one of the most-talented players on the team ever since she joined the program four years ago. Barah knew she had the ability to play at the next level when Yackley was just a freshman.

In her first practice with FSHS, Yackley delivered a strike from 25 yards out to catch Barah’s attention.

“Players of the caliber of Emma don’t hide,” Barah said. “That’s one of those diamond in the rough deals.”

Yackley’s final season as a Firebird is nearing an end, though she will not be done on the soccer pitch. Yackley has already inked her plans to play collegiate soccer at Creighton University, which she took care of last fall.

For Yackley, it was a dream come true after first playing soccer when she was in kindergarten. Her earliest soccer memory was picking flowers in the field, and playing goalkeeper because everyone had to take a turn in the net.

“Creighton was a perfect fit,” Yackley said. “I am a pre-med pathway and they have a really good program. For me, it was more about finding the right school. The athletic program for soccer is pretty good too. It is a good fit for me.”

But, even after signing her national letter of intent, Yackley felt like she had to prove she was worth it. And that’s really been the mindset that has helped shape her as a soccer player.

Due to her smaller frame, Yackley has always felt overlooked on the soccer field. Yackley knew in middle school that she wanted to pursue soccer at the collegiate level, so she put all her focus on that sport.

Yackley decided to play club soccer, which garnered more exposure. It also meant that she was playing soccer basically year-round. In the fall, Yackley would travel to Kansas City four times per week for practice and then travel all around the midwest for matches.

“There is really not an offseason,” Yackley said. “For me, I like to have a set of schedules and have these practices I have to go to.”

At nearly every level, opponents have underestimated Yackley on the pitch due her stature. And at every level, Yackley has taken advantage of that.

The Free State midfielder has grown in confidence over the last four years, particularly with playing on the ball. She is quick and can ease by nearly every defender. Yackley was the team’s most consistent scorer last year, pouring in 11 goals.

Earlier this season, Yackley recorded a hat trick in an 8-0 win over Shawnee Mission North.

“Obviously when you are talented, it is easy for you to get lost in the game,” Barah said. “She likes to get everybody involved.”

While Yackley’s days with the Free State program are numbered, it won’t be long before she is back on the soccer field.

Yackley will report to Creighton in mid-July after playing for a summer team with other collegiate-bound players. There is no opportunity for a break, but Yackley wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I want to be on the top of my game when I go there,” Yackley said. “I want to prove that I can play at a collegiate level.”

Free State (1-8-2) will play at LHS at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.