Senior soccer forward Ashlynn Summar scored the goal in the double-overtime game against the University of Nebraska at Kearney to push Emporia State into postseason play, and she didn’t even want to play collegiate soccer.

“I didn’t think I was going to play in college, but my mom really pushed me to try to play somewhere,” Summar said. “I actually started my collegiate career at Johnson County Junior College.”

During her time in junior college, Summar was awarded first-team All-American honors, team MVP and Female Athlete of the Year both years she attended. Summar was also ranked 4th in the nation in goals scored during her sophomore year.

The biology student wanted to continue her soccer career, which is why she came to Emporia.

“I was drawn to the smaller environment and atmosphere of campus,” Summar said. “My coach was always very inviting, and ultimately, he brought me here to produce goals and win games.”

When she got to campus, Summar said she automatically felt at home.

“The whole team was very inclusive,” Summar said. “The seniors on the team (my junior year) were who I connected with. I was really close with Emily Hazelwood and Brooke Smith.”

On the soccer field, Summar did not play much at ESU during her junior year due to injury; however, she is making up for her missed minutes during her senior year.

“She worked very hard in the off-season to be prepared for her senior season,” said Brian Sailer, head soccer coach. “She is a very determined player.”

“Ashlynn is extremely dedicated to positivity and finds it hard not to push herself in all areas of her sport,” said Tyler Jaso, Summar’s weights and conditioning coach.

Summar is focused on staying healthy and doing what needs to be done on the field to score goals and helping her teammates score goals.

“During my senior season, I really wanted to be confident on the ball, and I really wanted to have fun,” Summar said.