Before being named the 2012 Homecoming Queen and representing the College Republicans at Campbellsville University, Emily Shultz said she knew she wanted to attend Campbellsville University much, much sooner than her senior year of high school.

The idea had been in this Lady Tiger’s head for a while.

“I came to CU first when I was in elementary school through a church camp called Crosspoint,” Shultz said. “It had a lasting impression on me and I decided to look here senior year of high school for soccer.

“When I came the first time, I really liked the girls and Coach (Thom) Jones and thought this was where I needed to be. I ended up visiting a second time and literally felt my life fall into place and knew this was where God wanted me to be.”

Shultz has been a four-year member of head coach Thom Jones’ Lady Tiger Soccer team and was named a captain for her senior season.

Finishing her college career is something that this Montgomery County High School graduate is proud of.

Shultz was not the only MCHS alum that signed with CU in her 2009 graduating class.

“Three other girls from Montgomery County came here with me to play soccer and it really eased my fears and calmed my nerves, Shultz said.

“However, having them here it made it a lot easier for me to branch out and find new friends. Only Sarah and I stuck with the program here and I’m really proud to say that. There have only been two or three other athletes from my soccer program at Montgomery County to finish a soccer career in college at a competitive school.”

During her four years as a Lady Tiger, Shultz has seen her share of exciting games, including an overtime upset at home over Georgetown College, with 12.1 seconds remaining in the contest.

“Georgetown was huge,” Shultz said. “Shawnee was a really big one this year. It wasn’t necessarily the most important win of the season but it was a time where my girls really came together as one.

“We were without two starters that game and really needed to get our season back on track. The girls were literally running around all day doing all the homecoming festivities and I was nervous that were weren’t going to be focused.

“We ended up with a 5-0 victory, which was awesome. It was cool to see all the girls come around one another and come up with a huge win and it’s always nice to beat a conference team. This year we are the best we have ever been in the conference with a 7-2 record which is a very impressive feat with our only two losses in conference coming from Top 25 teams.”

Although most of her time is dedicated to soccer, this political science and history double-major has found a way to still be a regular college kid. She is a member of the College Republicans, the organization which she represented en-route to being crowned Homecoming Queen.

As well as Phi Sigma Alpha, the local honor society for Political Science, Shultz is also in the process of joining the history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta.

“After college, I want to get into law school and continue my education. I’ve had a big dream every since I was little to be an attorney and make the big bucks,” Shultz said with a smile. “Honestly, it’s very important to me to be driven and passionate about what you do. I have full confidence that I can succeed in this field and be successful in my life.”

Shultz says that there have been some doubters along her journey, who she would like to prove wrong, but would rather focus on using that motivation in a positive light.

“There is always someone in your life that enjoys seeing you fail,” Shultz said. “But instead of falling into the negativity, I believe that it is important to overcome things with grace and through adversity.

“I’ve had my share of shortcomings but nothing that I couldn’t handle. I’ve been blessed with a great group of support
through friends and soccer.”

When it’s all said and done, and Emily Shultz has played her last game as a Campbellsville University Lady Tiger, she knows exactly how she wants future CU women’s soccer team members to remember her.

But she is still focused on making the National Tournament in Florida this season.

“It hurts to know that my last game is going to be coming up,” Shultz said.

“I’ve spent four years doing this sport and literally molding my life into this program. I’d be a fool to say that the things that I have learned won’t help me in my future.

“It’s been a lovely ride, and I’ll miss every second of it. The people I’ve met and the friendships that I have made are life-long. This year’s group of girls literally feels like my team and it’s going to be hard to give that up but what I would like to leave for them?

“Like I’ve said, I’ve been through my ups and downs through the years and God has shown me great things while being here. I was never the goal scorer or the game changer but I always tried my hardest and worked at being the best role model/ leader for my girls.

“I’d like to be remembered as a leader that they, the program and the school would be proud of, someone that you would hang your hat too.

“Hopefully by the time this interview is out, we will be going to Florida. Now, THAT would be the end to a wonderful ride.”