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Ponoka player turns heads in first college season

Emma Bendera putting soccer scholarship to good use
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Emma Bendera goes hard and strong arms her way to the ball past a pair of Portage College players in a game this past season.. Image: Keyano College

It can be hard for one athlete to make an impact at the college level in their first season.

However, that wasn’t really the case for Ponoka’s Emma Bendera.

Her initial season with the Keyano College Huskies women’s soccer squad in Fort McMurray saw Bendera end up second in team scoring with seven goals and two assists in 12 games.

The 18-year-old, who is going after an education degree specializing in elementary teaching, chose Keyano largely because of the program and the fact they offered her a scholarship to play soccer.

“I have been playing soccer since I was four, but showed interest at two. I personally never thought of where my skill would lead me, but was told by countless people I had the potential to take soccer further,” she said.

“For me playing at a higher level has been a great experience. Playing against skilled players has helped to develop me as a player. So far, I’m really enjoying playing college soccer and enjoying my program and hope next year is even better.”

For Macky Singh, head coach for both Huskies soccer clubs, it was Bendera’s positive attitude that first caught his attention.

“I have been coaching Emma on and off since she was 14 years at various camps over the years,” he said.

“Seeing her positively, continually develop and grow as an athlete and as a person over the years at youth level was the main reason that drew my attention to her.”

Additionally, her game has also continued to get better.

“I knew what I was getting from Emma, but she improved even more and always will strive to learn and improve. I have been most impressed with her work rate at training and games,” Singh added.

“She always gives a 100 per cent, leaves everything on the field and never gives up.”

That is the same sentiment that came from one of her minor soccer coaches, Rob McArthur.

“My earliest memory of Emma was when she was eight in our Under 10 program and I was one of the coaches. She had more drive than almost every other kid in the program,” he said.

“Fast forward a few years, I remember refereeing one of Emma’s games when she was playing Under 17 as a centre full back. She was physically imposing, not because she is bigger than her competitors, but because she knows so well how to leverage her body, even against players bigger than her.

“She was like a freight train in that game — once she had a head of steam, she was so hard to take the ball off of and stop. Emma is a hard-nosed player. Just a competitor.”

Though for McArthur, it isn’t just Bendera’s skill, determination and presence on the pitch that left an impression.

“Ponoka has been very fortunate to have many brilliant young ladies play soccer for us. One of the things that has set them apart has been their willingness to give back to the program through coaching our girls,” he added.

“Emma has led the way in that regard — coaching Under 8 when she 13 years old, coaching the indoor program with her father, overseeing drills, teaching and mentoring other young women, like my own daughter.”

In fact, Bendera continues to help when she can, as McArthur mentioned his Under 11 indoor team was playing in Camrose during the long weekend when he needed some help.

“I needed a woman on the bench for the sake of propriety and the girls on the team,” he said.

“Emma was on Reading Week break and was at the pitch to watch her brother later that afternoon. She quickly volunteered to help when I approached the spectators to ask for help. Having her on the bench was a huge blessing.”

For Bendera, it’s important to be there for the younger players coming up.

“I think it’s important that young individuals understand that there are opportunities for them. That even though they may come from a small town doesn’t mean there aren’t options,” she said.

“If they stay in school, work hard and really want to pursue sports, they are capable. I’ve learned more about the game and refined my technique — there is always room for improvement. Even if you think you’re the best there is always something you can improve on.”

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Emma Bendera seen here playing for the Ponoka Storm minor soccer squad at the 2016 provincial championship. Photo submitted
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Emma Bendera