Emilie Charles

Blessed to Be Best

The most-celebrated girls soccer player in her state, this humble All-American athlete is grateful for every opportunity.

Emilie Charles is the first and only female All-State All-American soccer player from West Virginia. She was named the state girls soccer Gatorade Player of the Year in 2018. She broke the state record for single-season scoring. While any athlete would need to work incredibly hard to earn such accolades, Emilie had to put in more effort than most. Sophomore year, she was diagnosed with pneumonia. But while the recovery was difficult and she suffered through fatigue and breathing difficulties throughout her soccer season, she didn’t miss a single game. She ultimately led her team to become the first in the school’s history to win a state championship title, scoring every goal in the regional championship, state semifinal, and state championship matches along the way.

Emilie also competes in basketball and track and field and is salutatorian of her class. While her accomplishments are beyond impressive, she is quick to recognize the contributions of others who have helped pave the way to her successes. “I have a strong support system, which surrounds me with the perfect proportions of tough love and gentleness,” she says. Central to that support system are her parents, who demonstrate the importance of work ethic, education, and sports for their children.

Emilie appreciates her opportunities and is thankful for who she is and where she lives. She uses her prestige as a soccer player to act as local role model and works with players across the state, inspiring them to never limit themselves. She’s committed to helping those less fortunate than herself and volunteers time to several community organizations. And she’s active in politics. Having visited Hong Kong as an exchange student, she’s well aware that not everyone enjoys the same rights as Americans. She works to spread awareness about issues impacting other areas of the world while remembering to be grateful for all that she has. “What I took away most from this experience was the true lesson of how lucky I am. I thank my parents for my opportunities. Mostly, I thank God.”