Observer Preps Athlete of the Week: Emma Honis

WINTER GARDEN Emma Honis has scored a lot of goals during her varsity career with the West Orange girls soccer team, but the game-winning goal she scored in overtime against Olympia Jan. 18 in the semifinals of last week's district tournament is, undoubtedly, near the top of that list.

"That probably was one of the most amazing-feeling goals I've ever had," Honis said. "It wasn't a hard shot — it was just the nerves built up. It was just amazing."

The goal by Honis, the ObserverPreps.com Athlete of the Week, not only advanced the Warriors (14-5-1) to the district final two days later — a game West Orange won, 3-1 — but it also secured their berth in the state playoffs. And, although the Warriors were defeated Jan. 26 in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 5A Playoffs by Lake Mary, head coach Patrick Moons said it was fitting that Honis — the team's most reliable striker — was the one to propel them into the postseason.

"She's our go-to girl — without a doubt, she's our go-to girl up top," Moons said. "Case in point, within the last five games of the year, she scored two hat-tricks. In pivotal games, she steps up."

Honis also committed to the University of South Carolina Upstate within the past month.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].