Greenbrier East High School senior Emma Dotson will continue her stellar soccer career at the Division 1 level and Big 12 Conference after she signed her letter of intent to play for the home state West Virginia Mountaineers.
To say that is a pretty big deal would be an understatement.
WVU finished ranked fourth in the nation this past year and second in the Big 12 Conference. However, due to COVID-19, the national tournament will be played this spring so the team has a few months left to practice and prepare. It is an unusual setup, but getting the tourney in the spring is better than getting none at all.
A two-time all-state selection, Dotson started talking with the Mountaineers as freshman after attending their winter ID camp. She is a three-year captain and has helped the Spartans to three sectional titles, as well as a regional championship in 2018. She is a two-time all-state selection and was Regional Player of the Year twice, and was also an ODP East Region 1 Player of the Year.
Even with all the accolades she has received, Dotson, also a good basketball player who will focus on soccer full-time now, has remained humble throughout the recruiting process and feels a sense of pride to represent her hometown and state as well as she can while also being a role model for other girls in the area.
“The state of West Virginia and the people in it have built a long lasting reputation of toughness, grit, and resilience. As a native of the state, these traits have been instilled in me at a young age. I plan on bringing to Morgantown the iconic West Virginia mentality that has shaped me into the person I am. By committing to one of the top programs in the nation, I hope I inspire another local girl to follow her heart and dream big. I am very excited to represent my community, Greenbrier County, and West Virginia as I compete on the highest level at WVU,” Dotson said.
Once the school started showing her interest, it immediately had Dotson’s attention due to her connections and deep roots to the state and school itself.
“I think I was born a fan of WVU,” Dotson said. “Both of my parents are alumni at West Virginia University. I believe I was three months old when I was taken to my first WVU football game. Ever since then, I have been in love with the university: the educational opportunities, the culture at WVU, and of course, the women’s soccer team. I truly believe nothing compares to the Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium at sunset,” she stated.
Her future coach Nikki Izzo-Brown is one of the highest profile coaches in the entire country and Dotson has already developed a relationship with her and the assistants too.
“Throughout the recruiting process, I talked to Coach Izzo-Brown on a regular basis. Coach Izzo-Brown is extremely enthusiastic about the game of soccer, and has always been positive with me. Once I committed in November, I have communicated more with the assistant coaches about the off-season workouts, which are grueling,” Dotson said.
For the citizens of Greenbrier County, Dotson has a straight forward message for all her friends, family and the community as a whole.
“West Virginia University has always been my dream school to continue my academic and athletic career. I am very thankful for Coach Izzo-Brown and the rest of the coaching staff for the opportunity they have given me. My message to the state of West Virginia is simple: I can say with pride, that I will give my all to the WVU women’s soccer team and the program. If you’re ever in Morgantown, stop by to see the best team in the country, and always say hello to the local kid,” she said proudly.
Dotson is the daughter of Michael (her coach at East) and Alyson. She plans to major in economics.
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