When Emily Peterson first stepped onto the field for a match at the Aggie Soccer Stadium, she was known as the young girl with the prosthetic arm.
Four seasons later, to those familiar with A&M soccer, she's just known as "Petey." To those even closer, the left-side defender is recognized for more.
"She's one of those people that's not only book smart, but common sense smart," said A&M coach G. Guerrieri, who added how much he admires the way she goes about doing things on a daily basis with one arm. "She's very good on the field at solving problems, but she's proven her whole life to be a problem-solver and turn things to her advantage."
Peterson's prowess on the soccer field -- she's been an all-Big 12 performer -- her academics (3.92 GPA), her character and community awareness have put her among the 10 finalists for the prestigious Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.
"It's always exciting to know that somebody else thinks highly of you," Peterson said. "All throughout our team everyone works hard, everyone does well at school, so I'm glad that I got nominated, but I think it's just a good representation of Texas A&M."
Peterson has represented A&M soccer well since arriving in College Station, being voted the A&M Newcomer of the Year and following that up with an all-Big 12 selection as a sophomore.
Serious foot injuries slowed Peterson down for more than a year, forcing her to take a redshirt in 2007. She returned to help anchor a back line that was responsible for eight shutouts in 2008, and she was named the team's Defensive MVP.
"It was really exciting coming back last year because every game was like a gift. I never thought I'd play again, others didn't think I'd play again and then we got to the Elite 8 and it was a ton of fun," said Peterson, who has since had knee surgery. "Up until preseason I hadn't really run, so this year again thankfully I'm playing and it's almost like every game is a blessing."
But it's not all about soccer or academics for Peterson, who has donated numerous hours of her time to help others and who still finds ways to make the most of every opportunity afforded her.
"She's donated old arms, she volunteers at camps [for people] with similar ailments, she is a role model," Guerrieri said. "We get e-mails every once in a while where the kids want to come and see her if we are going to be in a town nearby them. She's just a winner."
One of the camps Peterson started attending three years ago was the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children's "Hand Camp" at Camp John Marc outside of Cleburne.
"You go and hang out with the kids and they can see you and see you have one arm as well and say, 'Look she's normal," Peterson said. "But the main thing is for the parents, because most of the kids are 5 or 6 years old and they are about to start school and the parents are nervous they are not going to be accepted. The parents are worried about it so that's what is exciting, when you see the relief on their face."
Peterson, who also writes a blog on the A&M soccer Web site, graduates this December and she's not about to slow down. A job awaits her, but not until later in the year, so in the interim she and her roommate -- former A&M teammate Micah Stephens -- have a four-month trip around the world planned.
The itinerary includes South America, Australia, China and Russia. The two are working through a travel agent but plan on staying with a few friends they've made through soccer.
"We just want to go and see the places. We are both laid back, athletic, so we want to go do fun outdoorsy things, like scuba diving, riding on scooters, as opposed to all the museum things," Peterson said. "I'm really excited. It will tiring but it will be an adventure."
It will also mean meeting new people, which often times goes a little bit differently for Peterson than others because of the prosthetic arm.
"Growing up I'm used to it, so it doesn't matter," Peterson said. "I know they are going to see the arm first but then once you get to know everybody you forget about it."
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NOTES -- Lowe's will announce the Senior CLASS Award winners during the 2009 NCAA Women's College Cup held at the Aggie Soccer Stadium in early December. To vote for Peterson, text message 'W9' to 74567. The fan vote counts one-third toward the final tally. ... With a win or a draw against Texas, Texas A&M would clinch the No. 2 seed for the Big 12 tournament next week in San Antonio. A loss and the Aggies could drop to fourth.
TEXAS A&M SOCCER
* Friday's match: Texas (8-7-3, 4-2-3 Big 12) at No. 20 Texas A&M (11-5-2, 5-2-2), 7 p.m.
* Tickets: $7 general admission; $4 youth and students; free admission for anyone wearing a Halloween costume.
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