At the age of just 4, Emily Box began her prevailing journey on the soccer fields.

From four years of recreation leagues to 11 years of travel and one year of national-level competition, Box has been through thick and thin to get to where she is today.

“I’m very excited to be back with the team, and hopefully win some big games this season,” said the Mary Washington commit, who returns to the field for her final year as a dolphin.

With the number 20 on her back and “Ocean Lakes” written across her chest, Box is ready to make an impact on the soccer field.

Last season, Box was named as one of the 6A players of the year. In addition, she was listed in the All Tidewater first team, All-Region first team and All-State first team. 

Though she typically encounters success, in October of 2021, she faced a major setback.

Studs up, a defender came sliding into Box’s right foot during a club game. Instantly, multiple ligaments were torn. Box underwent surgery, and as a result, was unable to play for the next five months. 

“Obviously it affected me physically, but mentally I also struggled very hard because I didn’t think I was going to come back stronger than I was before I got hurt. [Surgery] also affected my recruitment heavily because all the 2023s were getting looked at, and I wasn’t playing club soccer anymore so it sucked,” said Box.

Since surgery, Box has made a full recovery and eventually returned to play club and school soccer.

Box committed to continuing her academic and athletic career at the University of Mary Washington on January 22, 2023.

“When I committed, I felt like so much stress was lifted off my shoulders, so I was very excited and relieved that I had found the place where I really belong,” said Box.