Name: Emily Thissen
Sport: Women's Soccer
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
High School: St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Why did you choose Haverford?
I chose Haverford because it gave me the best of both worlds – an academically rigorous school and the opportunity to keep playing soccer competitively. After seeing the kind of community Haverford was during my overnight visit, as well as getting a glimpse into the team culture on the soccer team, I knew it was the place for me.
What is your favorite team experience?
This a tough question because there are so many, but one specific game that comes to mind is our game against Widener. After being tied for most of the first half, a rain delay got called and we were stuck for more than two hours waiting in the locker room until we were able to finish the game. It ended up being exactly what we needed, and after lots of games of psychiatrist and a dance party with the ref, we hyped ourselves up and came out with a win. It ended up being a super fun game and it was awesome to see how well everyone was able to roll with the circumstances and come out ready to play.
Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
I chose to play a sport in college because it was a really integral part of my high school experience that taught me about balance and gave me some of my best friends, and I wanted to be able to have a similar experience at Haverford. The idea of getting to play soccer for four more years was really exciting because it is the sport I love and have spent so much of my life pursuing.
What makes Haverford unique?
The close-knit community at Haverford really stands out to me. It's a really supportive environment where people look out for one another while simultaneously pushing them to be their best. There is always a friendly face and you get to know your peers, professors, and coaches in a more meaningful way.
What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford?
Take the time to visit campus and spend time with students. Also, know that it's okay to ask a lot of questions! People who go to Haverford are very passionate about the school and love talking about their experience and answering any questions prospective students might have.