Failure is a tough pill to swallow for Hofstra women’s soccer athlete Emily Agudelo. That is why she makes it her business to use that prescription as motivation for success. She understands mistakes will occur, but only the best of players know how to cope with that adversity - like her idol Lionel Messi.
“I just continue to keep my head up and work hard,” Agudelo said. “[It’s all about] showing up and playing my very best, giving my team the best chance to win [each game].”
For Emily, benefitting the team always comes first. She reinforces that by her statistics - tied for fourth on the team in goals and sixth in points. While her numbers may be overshadowed by CAA player of the year Leah Galton, Emily plays a vital role for the success of the team. In just three years with Hofstra, Agudelo has had her fair share of big moments.
On November 7, 2014, Hofstra met James Madison in the CAA semifinals. After the two teams exchanged leads through 80 minutes, it was Agudelo who found herself in an unfamiliar position. With a free kick from midfield, she was able to beat the goalkeeper and find the back of the net with nine minutes remaining in the match.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she reminisced.
Neither could James Madison, who played relentless - tying the Pride twice before succumbing. The goal sent Hofstra back to the CAA Women’s Final for the sixth time since 2005, where Northeastern ultimately defeated them 2-0.
The exciting run of 2014 is something Agudelo and her teammates often think about. The end result was bittersweet after an impressive run, but nearly impossible to accept. “We remember the feeling of losing in the championship,” she said. “We are out to prove to everyone that we are capable of winning this year.” It is definitely possible.
The Pride is led by Galton who happens to be number one in the conference in goals, points, and shots. “Leah is absolutely incredible because she cannot be stopped,” she said. With Galton, Kristen Desmond, and a variety of offensive weapons combined with Agudelo’s stellar defense, a title can return to Hofstra for the first time since 2012.
“As long as we continue to work hard, stay focused, and finish our key chances, I believe we can win it all,” she confidently said.
Finishing on opportunities is a given in any sport, however, working hard and staying focused is a major key that separate the good teams from the elite teams. Agudelo manages to stay level headed through it all. She does not allow one win to get her too high, yet, does not allow one loss to destroy the team’s morale. That is her job as a leader.
“We have to be organized and communicate throughout the entire game,” she said practically constructing a gameplan.
The junior marketing major is one of the more unsung heroes on this dominant Hofstra Pride team. She is a humble leader, flying under the radar, yet always remains confident even through difficult matches. It comes with experience. The head coach of the Hofstra Pride women’s soccer team, Simon Riddiough, did nothing but rave about his player: “she is extremely talented and [is a] versatile athlete…she is an awesome kid as well.”
As a perfectionist, learning from her mistakes is irritating. However, she assured Hofstra fans mistakes would not change the aggressive way she plays. The level of intensity has been the same since the opening game of the season. It is fueled by her itch to win.
For Agudelo, she just wants the taste of victory. However, awards and achievements have become a norm for her. Throughout her soccer career, she achieved All-Nassau County honors, an All-Class selection in 2010, a Career Achievement Award in 2013 but her most notable and her favorite - 2012 Conference Player of the Year in her senior year.
“She’s a leader on the field and sets a great example for the younger players,” said teammate Maria Pettet.
With soccer consuming most of her time, Agudelo loves returning to her home in Long Beach whenever she gets the chance. Her go-to eateries in the neighborhood are Gino’s of Long Beach and The Laurel Diner, which is considered to have one of the best slices of pizza on Long Island and Reader’s Choice Best Pancakes, respectively. In her spare time, Agudelo roots hard for FC Barcelona while loving the New York Mets current run to the postseason.
“Our starting line up consists of five senior players who do not want to leave the season without a ring,” she said.
It is clear to the Hofstra community that Emily and the rest of her teammates do not want to swallow that difficult pill again. With Agudelo on the field, Hofstra has a major opportunity to celebrate like it’s 2012 once again.