“Honestly, the joy that [I get from this sport] is something that I never want to give up,” senior soccer star Emily Jozak reflects. Jozak, who was recognized as nj.com’s Athlete of the Week on November 19th, is a crucial component of the Wayne Valley Girls Soccer team who significantly contributed to their historic season.

Jozak, who is committed to play Division 1 women’s soccer at the University at Albany, has been playing soccer since she was five years old, and in her high school career alone has compiled an impressive resume. Her Athlete of the Week recognition came after she scored a goal in the last six seconds of the 2021 state sectional final, clinching the win for WVGS for the first time since 1999. In addition, Jozak received First Team All-County, First Team All-Conference, and First Team All-State honors for her 2021 season. A four-year varsity player, Jozak totaled 59 goals and 30 assists.

Beyond her astounding accomplishments, Jozak was an invaluable role model on the team. “Soccer impacted me so much in my life,” she says. “It taught me to be a leader, and most importantly, [it taught me] determination.” Since Coach Sinram didn’t name captains this year, Jozak and the seven other seniors worked together to set a positive example for the rest of the team, and show off their love for the sport. In fact, Jozak emphasizes the other WVGS seniors as some of her greatest inspirations. 

Although she’s going to miss playing for Wayne Valley and seeing her friends every day, Jozak treasures the memories that she made on the team. From small events, like pasta parties, to larger events, like beating Wayne Hills and winning the Passaic County title, Jozak can say for sure that WVGS changed her high school career for the better.

To the underclassmen on her team, and to all of Wayne Valley’s athletes, Jozak advises, “Enjoy every moment, because it goes by so fast. Always work hard and push yourself to be better, whether it’s in a sport or in school.”

Outside of WVGS, Jozak is a member of Wayne Valley’s National Honor Society, and she plays club soccer throughout the rest of the year. She looks forward to playing at UAlbany, where she will continue to improve her skills and form bonds with her new teammates. “I always dreamed of playing soccer in college,” she says, “and to achieve that is so insane to me.”

Best of luck to Jozak in all of her future endeavors! The Wayne Valley community is proud of her success.