The Road to Division I: UNC Charlotte Goalkeeper Emily Protiva's Journey of Grit, Growth, and Glory

The path to becoming a collegiate goalkeeper is one filled with challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication. For athletes striving to compete at the highest levels, the journey is about more than just making saves—it’s about resilience, personal growth, and embracing the process. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the inspiring story of a Division I goalkeeper who turned passion into purpose. From the early days of youth soccer to the intensity of college competition, UNC Charlotte goalkeeper Emily Protiva shares the lessons learned, the obstacles overcome, and the mindset required to thrive both on and off the field. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or a sports enthusiast, this insight into the world of elite goalkeeping offers valuable takeaways for all.

1. What first inspired you to play soccer, and at what point did you realize you

wanted to compete at the collegiate level?

I grew up playing multiple sports and soccer very quickly became my favorite. It

developed into a great passion of mine and eventually became a part of my identity. The

happiest version of myself involves me being on a field and that is when I realized I

wanted to compete at the collegiate level.

2. Can you walk us through your recruiting journey? How did you

approach connecting with college coaches? As a California native, what

stood out about Charlotte that made you commit?

I committed to Charlotte very early in my recruiting journey because it had

everything I wanted in a school- my degree, the athletic component and a good

location. My family was also making the move to Tennessee, so I wanted to stay

close to them as well. Although I committed under other coaches, I knew Charlotte

was a program I could make an impact on, and a place that could make an impact

on me as well. I wanted to be pushed as a player and a person and I knew

Charlotte would provide me with that opportunity.

3. Transitioning to college soccer can be physically and mentally

demanding. What was the biggest adjustment for you during your

freshman season, especially moving across the country?

Although it is specific to my situation, the hardest change during my freshman

season was adjusting to the weather. There is no humidity in California so I

quickly had to adjust to the heat of the South. This required me to really focus on

my diet and to make sure I was fueling my body properly.

4. How has competing at the Division I level challenged you, and what

lessons have you learned that go beyond just the technical aspects of the

game?

Competing at the Division 1 level has taught me to go about life with a strong

work ethic, continuing to push yourself individually while simultaneously working

towards a team goal. At first this was overwhelming, since with this challenge

comes pressure and the expectation to fulfill your role on the team. However, the

environment of being at the Division 1 level has taught me invaluable lessons that

I hope to apply in my future.

5. What has been your most rewarding moment on the field with the

Charlotte 49ers so far, and why does it stand out to you?

A rewarding moment for me with Charlotte has been getting a shutout in my first

start against Wake Forest. I am a redshirt freshman, and I recently got my first start

in our first spring game this past week. Although we didn’t get the final result that

we wanted, it was rewarding receiving the shutout knowing how many hours of

work was put into earning that.

6. College sports require a lot of discipline. How have you managed the

workload of soccer, academics, and personal time while staying motivated?

I feel like I am my most productive when I am my busiest. Having a clear set

priority list- academics, athletics and then personal time- is important when

allocating your time. Although it can get hard, remembering why I am here and

what I want out of this experience keeps me motivated when I get overwhelmed.

7. How has the coaching staff at Charlotte helped shape your development

as both a player and a person? Are there any key pieces of advice that have

stuck with you?

Here at Charlotte, I have been faced with many challenges that have forced me to

develop as a person and player. Being a collegiate athlete is not easy, and nothing

is ever given. A piece of knowledge that I have learned through being a collegiate

athlete is that the only way to get to the top is hard work and determination.

Nobody is going to put the work in for you, so if you want something it is your

responsibility to earn it.

8. Playing at the college level often brings new levels of competition,

especially for goalkeepers. How do you manage the goalkeepers' union

dynamic?

At the end of the day, soccer is a sport and the people are what make the game so

important. Realizing that the bond with your teammates is equally if not more

important than your ability to save shots is vital. Although you may want the same

thing, remembering that you need to be supportive and uplifting to your other

goalkeepers is key to maintaining a good goalkeeper union.

9. What advice would you give to young goalkeepers who aspire to play at

the college level, especially when it comes to preparing during their high

school years?

My best piece of advice would be to work hard but to trust the process. You are

going to face trials and obstacles that will tear you down, but you also have to be

strong enough to get through them. Your end goal should be a constant reminder

of motivation to you. Put the work in to put yourself in the best position to achieve

your goals and the rest will follow.

10. Looking ahead to the rest of your college career and beyond, what goals

are you setting for yourself both on and off the field?

On the field, I hope to play high minutes this upcoming season, earning accolades

and pushing myself and my team in the right direction. Off of the field, I hope to

continue excelling in my studies with the goal of working in the sports industry

post graduation.