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Sports

Small Soccer Player Has Big and Determined Heart

Emma Grace Collins never lets anything slow her down.

Emma Grace Collins may be small, and she may not be quite as fast as the other girls, but she plays soccer with a determined spirit and a big heart.

Collins plays for the on the U7 Harris Team. The team is also known as the Dragonflies. This is a name that the girls gave themselves and it fits. Like a dragonfly, Collins and her teammates are simply beautiful to watch.

Coach Ryan Harris describes Collins as an amazing little player.

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“She always gives great effort and never lets anything slow her down,” Harris said. “I am amazed every time I see her on the field.”

Collins got her first assist this past week, and continues to improve on offence. But defense is where she plays with determination and passion. Her nickname is “The Wall.”

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“In her first game as goalie she made some great saves and got the ball to her teammates quickly which led to several scoring runs,” Harris said.

It is quite amazing to see all of this determination and confidence in Collins out on the field especially given what Collins has been through in her six short years.

This past summer Collins had surgery number 34. Her first 33 came before she was three years old. She was born with right hip dysplasia and her right foot was "clubbed.” She had feeding issues, and was in the NICU for 17 days. Her first surgery was when she was three months old. The doctors informed her parents that she might never walk, talk or eat. But amazingly, she did.

“I asked God if he would just make her walk, talk and eat, that I would never tell her to be quiet, sit down, or deny her a second helping of food,” Collins’ mom Terri said.

When Collins was four years old, they found out her pelvis is actually lower on her right side which creates a leg discrepancy. Her right leg is 1.6 cm longer. She wears braces and a lift that improves her gait 100 percent. As she gets older it may get better, but they will have to wait and see.  

“She has endured everything like a champ,” her mom said proudly. “She is my hero, and I am amazed by her each and every day!"

Her parents rarely tell her story. They believe that she is so much more, and do not want her to be defined by the problems that she has had to face.

“We never want what she's endured to give her an excuse to quit, give up or have people feel sorry for her or us,” Terri said.

With her awesome attitude and passion to play, there is not a single girl or parent on the team that could feel sorry for Collins. She actually inspires them to play with the same determination she brings to the field. Collins and her teammates play together as a team, and always look out for each other. Her teammates know that she has their back when she plays goalie, and in return they have her back when Collins is on offense.

“I got a little teary on Saturday when coach Harris and the girls were trying to help Emma Grace score a goal,” her mom said. “It was so sweet of everyone wanting to help her. I want it for her so badly too, but then I look at her and think ... as she's smiling and running her funny little run, 'They told us she would never walk' and watching her run on the field, having fun with her team, well, it's enough!”

It won’t be long before she does score her first goal. Collins is determined and will never give up.

“I look forward to every practice and game and Emma Grace is a big part of that,” Harris said. “Her teammates love her and she is a joy to be around.  I can’t wait to see her score her first goal.” 

Player Stats: 2 assists. Great defense and mid field. Excels at Goalie

Player Achievements: Awesome Goalie. Earned the nickname “The Wall.”

Upcoming Games: Every Saturday at Rabbit Hill Soccer Field #10

For more information on Collins and the Dacula Soccer Club, visit their website.

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