Playing goalie on the soccer field is similar to being a closer on the pitchers’ mound on the baseball diamond.

The pressure is always on and producing under pressure is of the utmost importance. Bellevue Christian Vikings senior goalie Emilie Groeschel relishes being the last line of defense for her soccer squad. The Vikings have compiled an overall record of 7-1-1 thus far during the 2018 season. Groeschel has surrendered a paltry seven goals in nine games.

“It can be a lot but I have grown up playing goalie. You kind of get used to. You just have to be in the right mindset for it,” Groeschel said of playing the most pressure-packed position on the soccer field.

Goalies can never let their guard down at any moment and have to stay in tune mentally throughout the 80 minutes of regulation.

“The most challenging part is when there is no action. You just have to really stay mentally engaged throughout. It can be really difficult when you have no shots on you,” Groeschel said.

The Vikings, who advanced to the first round of the Class 1A state playoffs in 2017, are determined to not only return to the big dance but advance further than they did one year ago. Seattle Academy defeated Bellevue Christian in the first round of the state playoffs last season.

“We’re really hoping to make it to state again and get further than last year. It feels really good to be a leader on this team. Half of the team are freshmen this year. I think the whole team is really awesome and we are working together so well. We’ve become really close,” she said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Groeschel a few questions about her life away from the soccer field.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Emilie Groeschel: “Pretty in Pink.” It is just a classic.

BR: Who was your idol growing up?

EG: Tim Howard (Major League Soccer player). He is an amazing goalie.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

EG: Being late when other people are late.

BR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

EG: The San Antonio Spurs (NBA team). My family has always liked them and I grew up watching them.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

EG: I love to sing. My favorite type of music is alternative.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

EG: Probably Hawaii even though I have been there a bunch of times. It is so beautiful.