Women's Soccer Selects Caruso and Emigholz as Captains

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Juniors Christina Caruso (Queens, N.Y./St. John's Prep) and Christine Emigholz (East Elmhurst, N.Y./St. John's Prep) have been selected as captains for the 2016 St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) women's soccer team, announced by Head Coach Gary Lawson today.

"From the moment I met Christine and Christina, they demonstrated the dedication of committed student-athletes, and the compassion for their teammates needed to take the program forward," commented the first-year head coach on the selection. "The coaching staff and I believe their captaincy will help elevate the team and bring a wide range of strengths in terms of positive leadership. They compliment each other well, and together with the coaching team, they will help with all aspects of preparing the team for a new exciting season."

Over her first two seasons for the Lady Bears, Caruso, a midfielder, amassed 10 goals—currently sixth all-time in Lady Bear history—and finished tied for third on the team in points last season with two goals and two assists. She found the back of the net eight times during her rookie campaign, helping the squad to an 11-5 season that set a single-season program record for wins.

"Soccer has always been a very important part of my life. While I was growing up, my father always said that soccer will be more than just a sport but rather a way to teach me how to communicate and how to be an effective leader," remarked Caruso on the appointment. "Christine and I have been captains together in high school and now we are lucky enough to work together once again in our college career. I have so much love for this team and what we have planned for the future."

Both played together for St. John's Prep before reuniting in Clinton Hill, and helped to lead the Red Storm to the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Class A championship game in back-to-back seasons, winning the title in 2011.

Emigholz, a forward who transferred to SJC and played her rookie campaign in 2015, accumulated a team second-best seven points, finding the back of the net twice and assisting on three tallies.

"The excitement and commitment that each girl has on that field far surpasses anything else. Being elected one of the team captains for this upcoming season with Christina is a tremendous honor and privilege," added Emigholz. "Knowing each other for years, we have a positive and respectful relationship that our teammates pick up on.  With this title comes responsibilities and dedication that we must instill in ourselves, as well as our teammates. I look forward to this upcoming season with my Lady Bears and coaches."

The Lady Bears will open their 2016 campaign with two matches at the Big Apple Invitational Tournament in Morris Plains, N.J. on September 2 & 4 with their opponents to be announced.