Emma Cordulack '27 Named MVP at National Soccer Showcase
Perseverance, a defining King virtue, is woven through Emma Cordulack’s ’27 soccer journey, a journey that began long before she earned national recognition this fall.
“My love for soccer began when I was 5 years old. What really drew me to the sport was the competitive nature and the feeling of accomplishment after playing my hardest in a game,” Emma said. “From a surface level, the game seems simple, but after playing for 11 years, I have learned to love the tactical side of the game more as well as all the opportunities it brings.”
That early passion set the foundation for a milestone moment: being named Most Valuable Player at the 2025 Allstate Sueño Alianza National Showcase, held in late October at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The event brought together 64 of the strongest young Hispanic players in the country following months of nationwide tryouts. Emma’s skill, leadership, and character caught attention at the national showcase, where she received the most invitations from professional teams — the top scouting result among all participants.
Her path to that stage has been built on relentless commitment.
“Emma is a hard worker and a hustler,” said College Counselor Emily Prince, who witnessed Emma’s determination up close. “She has been competing on an Elite Club National League team, which requires travel three times a week and takes up precious time after school. Still, she just can't get enough and wants more soccer.”
Emma says her growth has been shaped just as deeply by what she found at King.
“When I was first given the opportunity to play soccer at King, I was nervous about the changes that would come, but soon after beginning my journey here, I knew it would have a permanent impact on my life,” she said. “Although I have gained a lot of experience at King, I have also gained a lasting family and support system. At King, I have found a sense of belonging and support through my teammates and coaches, and I know these experiences will stay with me forever.”
That sense of connection is matched by her academic focus.
“Academically speaking, I have always been drawn more to math and science,” she said. “Similar to the technical and problem-solving aspects of soccer, I can transfer this passion for critical thinking in math. I am grateful to have the ability to take a wide variety of courses to develop my skills in math and, recently, economics.”
On campus, she is also a member of the Sustainability Club and the Sports Business Club.
“Emma embodies everything we value in King Athletics: skill, commitment, exceptional character, and leading with purpose both on and off the field,” noted Dean of Athletics Micah Hauben.
With her eyes on the horizon, Emma has clear goals.
“Looking into my future with soccer, playing in college has always been a dream of mine,” she said. “Playing in college would help me get to a national team, which is a really important goal of mine.”
And while her achievements continue to grow, she remains grounded in gratitude. “On and off the field, King has given me endless opportunities athletically and academically, and I will be forever grateful for the impact this school has had on me,” she said. “I also just wanna add that I wouldn't have gotten this award at all without my parents, specifically my mother, so I would just like to say thank you to them.”
The Allstate Sueño Alianza program, created by Alianza de Futbol and sponsored by Allstate, offers a national platform for young Latino players to be scouted by professional and collegiate programs, including MLS and Liga MX.
For Emma, the MVP honor marks not just a breakthrough, but a chapter in a story that began at age five — with a ball, a spark, and a drive that has never faded.