On a team loaded with returning starters and Division I-bound players, senior defender Emma Czech never expected to become a star this season for Lockport.
But in addition to her defensive prowess, Czech became one of her team’s offensive catalysts. She helped the Porters win their first 24 games in earning All-American honors.
Looking back, it’s all pretty mind-blowing.
“This year, my confidence definitely skyrocketed and I feel like I played my best games out of any season I’ve ever played,” Czech said. “It feels good, and all the recognition is nice.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting it at all, but I feel like all the hard work that I’ve put in over the years has definitely paid off.”
Czech, the 2024 Daily Southtown Girls Soccer Player of the Year, led a dynamite defense for Lockport (24-1) that recorded 17 shutouts and allowed just 10 goals all season.
The SIU Edwardsville recruit also handled duties on free kicks and corner kicks for the Porters, piling up 19 assists to go with four goals in the process.
Czech blossomed into the most impactful player on a team full of standouts and — as far as Lockport coach Todd Elkei is concerned — all it took was some self-confidence.
Lockport’s Emma Czech (7) dribbles down the field against Plainfield South during the Class 3A Plainfield North Sectional semifinal game on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
“Her progression from last year to this year was huge,” Elkei said. “We worked really hard on the mental aspect of her game. She’s always had the skill set. It was more just getting her to believe in herself that she could be the player that she’s developing into.
“The scary part is she hasn’t even hit her ceiling yet.”
Czech felt a big weight on her shoulders as the season began. She knew Lockport had a special team, but there was a big void left by the graduation of Bella Diorio.
Diorio, the 2023 Daily Southtown Girls Soccer Player of the Year, scored a program-record 41 goals before heading to TCU. She took most of Lockport’s set pieces, a role passed on to Czech.
In the Porters’ third game of this spring, Czech scored on a free kick in overtime to beat Glenbrook South 2-1. With that, a star was born.
“Being able to score that goal was amazing,” Czech said. “I remember the practice before, going over them. I was like, ‘We’ll see how it goes.’ That set my tone and confidence for the rest of the season.
“The pressure was high there and I was able to do it, so I knew I could do it over and over again.”
Lockport’s Emma Czech (7) heads the ball against Lincoln-Way East during a SouthWest Suburban Blue game in Lockport on Saturday May 4, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Czech became the ultimate two-way player, according to fellow senior defender Brinlee McNabb.
“Working alongside Emma in the back has been unbelievable,” said McNabb, a Milwaukee recruit. “She makes my life so much easier back there, and she’s such a great defender.
“It’s been great to see her be able to contribute so much to the offense, too.”
Czech grew up playing basketball and volleyball as well, but she quickly knew her passion was devoted to the soccer field.
“My dad (John) was a big basketball fan,” Czech said. “He grew up playing basketball and he played in high school. I think he really wanted me to get involved in basketball. I loved basketball, but I fell in love with soccer and decided it was my sport.
“My dad had not known anything about soccer, but he took it on himself to coach and he learned the game throughout my years of playing. And now, he loves the sport. Being able to get him into the wonderful sport of soccer, I think that’s super cool.”
Lockport’s Emma Czech (7) controls a pass against Lincoln-Way East during a SouthWest Suburban Blue game in Lockport on Saturday May 4, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
As Czech moves on to college, she also hopes she has sent a message to future Porters.
She’s proof a role player one season can become a star the next.
“I hope everyone sees that you can really do anything if you put the work in,” Czech said. “Last season, I had a good season, but this year I really proved myself.
“If you put in the work and have confidence, you’ll see the results come your way.”
