Kicking it: Copley's Emma Stransky finishes senior season with highest award in Ohio soccer
As if Emma Stransky’s week couldn’t get any better, it did in a big way.
The Copley senior helped lead her team to a Division II state title and then was named Ohio's Ms. Soccer.
It’s the highest award given by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association.
Champions:Emma Stransky's first-half goal lifts Copley over Waynesville in Division II state final
A Night in Pictures:Photos: D2 Girls State Championship/Copley vs. Waynesville
“It's incredible,” she said. “I know there are hundreds, probably 1000s of contenders to pick from. It's really eye opening that they picked me. All the hard work that the girls and I have given this season have really paid off.
“Initially, when they told me I, I was just starstruck for a second. I didn't know what to think. My jaw hit the floor.”
Anyone who watched her play may have done the same thing. The Bowling Green commit led Copley with 44 goals and 20 assists this season and was the player the team turned to when times were tough.
The midfielder scored four goals in wins over Lexington and Bay in the postseason and scored twice against St. Mary's Memorial in the semifinal.
When it got to the final, the senior scored the only goal in a 1-0 win by Copley over Waynesville.
“She put the program back on the map,” Copley coach Wally Senk said. “I think we've done a good job of progressing over the years and becoming more and more competitive and playing a predominantly Division I schedule, but for us it just shows that we are capable in our small community.
“It means so much. She mentioned it the other day that she does it for all those little girls that look up to her and want to be just like her. Because we’re not a big community, having those girls see that it is a possibility, it is something that they can do to try to emulate her.
“I teach in the middle school, and all the girls talk about is the high school girls. I told the high school girls, you had so many little eyes on you that want to be just like you. They want to grow up to be the best high school soccer player.”
That’s exactly how Stransky felt after hearing she won the award.
Instead of pointing to herself, she talked about everyone else on the team who made it possible.
“If there was a way that I could make sure that all the girls names went on the award, I would,” Stransky said. “If I didn't have the support of this team and the level of soccer IQ that they have, it would not have been possible.
“I'm surrounded by amazing teammates who know how to play soccer. They love to play soccer. This reward isn't just a reflection of my work, more than ever it’s everyone's hard work. Everyone's pushing me and pushing everyone. It's definitely more of a team award than an individual one in my eyes.”
Medina's Olivia Sipsock named D1 Player of the Year
Medina's Olivia Sipsock was named the Division I Player of the Year after a season in which she recorded 23 goals and 13 assists.
Senk was named the Division II coach of the year and Twinsburg's John Garber was honored as the Division I coach of the year.
In Division I, teammate Kayla Perfect joined Sipsock on the first team as did Walsh Jesuit's Hannah Pachan and Brecksville's Shea Vidovic.
Brunswick’s Brooke Allen, Strongsville’s Macy Felton, Highland’s Jillian Miller, Walsh’s Reagan Pentz and Twinsburg’s Jadyn Harris and Brenna Utrup were named second team.
In Division II, Archbishop Hoban's Natalie Shimmel joined Copley's Ashley Kerekes and Stransky on the first team.
CVCA’s Hannah Koons was a second-team selection.
Manchester's Katie Norris was first-team all-state in Division III.
The Panthers also put Lauren Gunsett on the second team.
The boys team wasn’t without its stars.
Wadsworth's Jackson Herbert, Copley's Colin Link and Hudson's Tyler Travis were first-team All-Ohio in Division I.
Brunswick’s Josh Lord, Medina’s Cole Turchyn, Walsh’s Xavier Munro and Strongsville's Brandon Lucek were named to the second team.
Revere's Desmond Johnston and CVCA's Carson Reske earned the same award in Division II. Western Reserve's Kelly Janssen made the parent squad in Division III.
Revere's Nick DePompei was named the Division II coach of the year.
St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Nick Bertolini and Norton’s Jackson Davis picked up second-team honors.
Copley coach David Antal was named the sports, ethics and integrity recipient.
Brunswick coach Ben Dotson won the Ron Pinsenschaum Award, which is the highest honor given to a coach of a male team in the OSSCA.
Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Copley's Emma Stransky named Ohio Ms. Soccer, Olivia Sipsock DI POTY
