After a public school career of soccer and success, Emily Cordes moves on to the next level.
Photo by Rebecca Holt
Emily Cordes was born on a snowy December 16th, in 1991. It is said she played soccer since birth, throwing around little toy soccer balls in the cradle. “We would always just pass the ball to each other; it was her favorite thing to do,” exclaimed TJ Alumni and older brother Wesley Cordes.
Emily began playing for her first team at the age of five for the Skyline Association until the 6th grade, and she then began to play for much more competitive teams in Westminster and Storm. Emily contemplated playing for her middle school team, the Hamilton Huskies, but decided she wanted to take her skill in another direction. “She was always very talented and stood out more than all the other kids,” are words from a very proud mom, Candy Cordes. Emily proved herself to be the leader of each one of those teams, and she knew she was more than ready to perform at a higher level.
Emily made the hard choice of which high school to attend, and with the help of her brother, chose TJ. The Spartans are very appreciative of that, as Emily showed up to tryouts and thoroughly impressed the coaches. She was named a varsity starter her freshman year, and managed to put in six goals and added an astonishing 21 assists. She has even led the team to a playoff appearance each of the last four years, but could only advance past the first round her freshman year. “Playing soccer for TJ has been one of the happiest and best experiences of my life,” said Cordes,who is one of the senior captains this season.
An even more impressive feat, Emily Cordes is coming off a devastating knee injury she incurred during the basketball season last year. Despite multiple doctors advising her and telling her she would not have the ability to play, she trained hard, and eventually made a full recovery. “She had a very bad injury… I was very surprised, and proud that she was able to come back,” said her coach, Sarah Andolsek.
Emily attended her final playoff game as a Spartan this past Tuesday, and unfortunately she could not play due to a red card the previous game. She was right there on the sideline cheering on her teammates every minute of the game. The Spartans unfortunately faced the #6 seed in the state and came up against a tough challenge, ultimately losing 7-0.
Emily will be attending Colorado State University this fall with her 4.0 GPA. She hopes to try out, and make the club team. What is assured, though, is that no matter which team she plays for she will leave a legacy of success, dedication, and triumph.
