While some athletes are fortunate to avoid serious injury during their playing career, many endure a significant ailment at some point. A knee injury derailed Emerson Johngarlo’s stellar career at Kiski Area, but she has since thrived on the pitch at Robert Morris University. The junior defender is in the spotlight in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Johngarlo made the varsity roster at Kiski Area in 2018, as the Cavaliers went 14-5-0 overall, including 11-3-0 in section play. As a result, Kiski Area qualified for the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. From there, the Cavs knocked off Plum, but fell to Oakland Catholic in the quarterfinals to conclude the season.

The next year, KA went 13-5-0, replicating the section record of 11-3-0. Back in the WPIAL postseason, the Cavaliers ousted Ringgold, but came up short against West Allegheny in the Class 3A quarterfinals.

During the COVID-altered 2020 season, Kiski Area went 8-7-0, including 7-3-0. In the postseason once again, the Cavaliers fell to Thomas Jefferson in the Class 3A first round. However, late in the season, Johngarlo sustained a knee injury that sidelined her for approximately a year.

With her still on the mend as a senior in 2021, the Cavaliers went 10-10-0, including 7-5-0 in the section ledger. Back in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, Kiski Area bested Connellsville Area, but lost to Montour in the quarterfinals.

Following her graduation from Kiski Area, Johngarlo matriculated to Robert Morris University, joining the Colonials as a defender for the 2022 season. She appeared in 14 matches, including seven starts, registering two shots. That season, RMU went 7-7-4 overall, but just 1-7-2 in the Horizon League.

Last season, Johngarlo played in 13 matches, starting all but one. Robert Morris improved to 12-5-3 overall, including a conference mark of 5-4-1. In the Horizon League Tournament, RMU bested Wright State, but came up short against No. 1 seed Milwaukee to conclude the campaign.

This year, Johngarlo started all 19 contests for the Colonials, notching two goals on four shots. Robert Morris compiled a mark of 6-7-6, including 4-3-3 in the Horizon League. In the conference tournament, the Colonials edged IU Indy, but again fell against top-seeded Milwaukee to wrap up the season last week.

Emerson set aside time to answer questions about the feeling when she scored her first college goal, the biggest hurdles in overcoming her injury, and her unique ritual during every game.

Q: You started every game this season. What has been key to you becoming a fixture in the lineup?

A: A big key for me was being consistent in games and in training. I also needed to make sure I was impacting and helping the team, so that I was someone to count on in the lineup.

Q: What was the feeling like when you scored your first collegiate goal this year?

A: I genuinely was so surprised and just so excited. I had never gotten in the mix on corners because I play center back, so I was super happy to score because that’s not a stat I’m used to as a defender.

Q: How have you grown as a player during your time at RMU?

A: Playing at RMU has taught me how to be a better teammate. I had to learn to mesh and play with new girls when before I was used to playing with my friends in high school and club.

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for this season?

A: The team’s big goal was to make it back into the Horizon League tournament. Since we accomplished this, the next one was obviously to win and make an NCAA tournament appearance. A personal goal of mine was to make sure I am constantly putting my best foot forward and to never feel like I could’ve put in more effort.

Q: The Colonials feature numerous former WPIAL players on the roster. Who did you have relationships with before coming to Robert Morris?

A: I was super good friends with Malia Kearns because I had played on the same club team as her since we were 12. I also played with Paloma Swankler and Jill Marvin when I got older. Since coming to school, I’ve stayed close with Malia and became best friends with Jill and Paloma, who are also my roommates.

Q: What led to your decision to attend RMU?

A: Honestly, one of the big reasons I chose RMU is because it’s close to home. In the beginning of the recruiting process, I had it set in my mind I wanted to go far. But when it came down to it, I knew I wanted my family to be able to visit me and see me play. My parents come to every game and often, I have extended family come too, which is my favorite thing.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I am currently majoring in business management. I’m hoping to work in human resources - possibly in a hospital.

Q: Aside from soccer, what has been your favorite aspect of college?

A: My favorite aspect of college would be the social aspect. I have met so many great people, inside and outside of my team.

Q: You suffered a serious injury during your time at Kiski Area. What were the biggest hurdles in overcoming that?

A: For me, the biggest hurdle with my ACL injury was the extremely long recovery time. There were so many times I wanted to be able to play with my team because I felt “fine”, but I had to watch from the sidelines. The mental aspect of an injury is also something that comes into play. A hurdle I had to jump was proving to myself that I would still be the same player I was, and that I was still good enough to play at a high level.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: This isn’t necessarily one memory, but my whole senior year of high school is super special to me. I had a great group of friends who I always did stuff with, and I was able to start playing soccer again.

Q: Do you still follow the Cavaliers athletics or WPIAL soccer?

A: I did not religiously follow WPIAL athletics this season, but my little brother still goes to Kiski and he would often update me on how the teams were doing, which I loved to hear about.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before, during, or after a game?

A: Right before every game starts, I will put a new piece of gum in to chew. I constantly chew gum while I am playing.

Q: *What artists or types of music get you in the right mindset to play? *

A: My favorite artists to listen to before games are Drake and Lil Baby

Q: Who is your celebrity dream date?

A: My celebrity dream date (and my friends will make fun of me for this) is Timothee Chalamet. He’s my celeb crush.

Q: What is your favorite holiday? Why?

A: My favorite holiday is the Fourth of July because my family hosts a big pool party every year with our friends. I love the weather and everyone being together.