By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer
After two years at St. Dom’s, Auburn’s Emily Staszak is close to her second state title at NYA.

NORTH YARMOUTH – Emily Staszak would love nothing better to put an exclamation point on an already successful two years at North Yarmouth Academy.

The senior goaltender from Auburn will backstop the Panthers in Saturday’s Class C state championship game against Madawaska at Hampden Academy.

Staszak has already won a state title with NYA, but a chance to finish her soccer career this way is the ultimate.

“It’s amazing – unlike anything else,” she said. “To be part of this team has been unbelievable. It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had. We’ve always been there to support each other. We’ve had great experiences. It’s been really a big community, a family.”

Staszak began her high school career playing at St. Dom’s, playing for her father David, then the coach of the Saints. After two years with the Saints, she decided to go to NYA.

“I was just looking for an academic challenge, and this school provided that for me,” said Staszak.

It also provided opportunity on the soccer field. The Panthers had won the state title the previous year, but had the makings of another contender, especially adding an experienced netminder.

“It was a very nice luxury,” said NYA coach Jeff Thoreck, who had taken two seasons off from coaching the team before returning the fall Staszak arrived. “Emily has done a fantastic job for us. She loves the position. She loves the game. She works very hard at it. She’s a super nice kid and well respected by her peers. She’s bright in the classroom and a strong athlete. She’s just one of those kids you love to coach.”

Stepping into new surroundings wasn’t difficult. Playing with teammates during the summer enabled her to get comfortable.

“I actually had it easy,” she said. “Everybody was really accepting. I felt like everybody brought me into it.”

She’s been fitting in nicely ever since. The Panthers have gone 31-3 in her two seasons. She had four shutouts this season and was a Western Maine Conference all-star.

“On the field, she makes great decisions,” said Thoreck. “She understands her angles. She comes off the line when she has to come off. She’s good in the air. She’s really worked on balls in the air and making those saves. She can distribute the ball. She’s a very smart player.”

The defense, which allowed just 18 goals the year before, was an integral part of the Panther’s hopes this season. With the loss of offense, including all-state forward Caty Von Brecht, NYA had to rebuild up front but had a solid defense as an anchor.

“We lost our main scorers last year,” said Staszak, who hopes to play soccer in college and is looking at schools such as Mt. Holyoke, Colby and Bowdoin. “So we had to step up in that department, but we brought back all of our starting defenders. So there’s no difference there. We’ve had people step up to do the scoring. So that’s been great.”

Thoreck says her presence in net has only aided the veteran defense. He says her work ethic and character is well respected, and she has served effectively as one of the team’s captains.

“Her confidence on the field is contagious,” said Thoreck. “With her confidence, the backs are confident. The midfield is playing with confidence, and it’s a chain reaction all the way up to our forwards. She’s not the most verbal person, but it’s her presence and how she carries herself.”

Staszak says her teammates have helped her just as much. That’s why going out with a win Saturday is a perfect ending.

“In a lot of ways, my team has helped me improve,” said Staszak. “We work everyday. We all push each other to be better.

“It’s been great. Since most of these girls have been together for a long time, if we win this year, it would be the third state championship in three years. That would be good. We’ve built together through it all, especially building from last year. We’ve all just grown together and meshed together.”