Belhaven Soccer Star Emma Antonoplos Named Nominee for CCS Woman of the Year
ATLANTA — Belhaven University announced that Emma Antonoplos, a senior women’s soccer midfielder, is its nominee for the 2025-26 Collegiate Conference of the South Woman of the Year award.
The award honors the top female student-athlete who excels in athletics, academics, service, and leadership. Antonoplos concluded her career as one of the program’s most decorated players. She finished third all-time in goals with 31, and ranked fourth in points with 82 and assists with 20, according to school officials.
Antonoplos received CCS Offensive Player of the Year honors and made the All-CCS First Team for the fourth straight season. Beyond individual accolades, she emphasized her growth beyond soccer. “Throughout my time at Belhaven University, I have been blessed with opportunities that challenged me, strengthened my faith, and shaped me into the person I am today,” she said.
She reflected on balancing academics and athletics, citing discipline and trust. “Striving to grow both in the classroom and on the field taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and faithful stewardship of the opportunities God provided,” she added. Antonoplos also served as a team captain, a role she described as one of the greatest privileges of her college experience.
Among her team achievements, Antonoplos helped lead Belhaven to its first conference tournament championship in school history. “The most meaningful moment of my athletic career was helping lead our program to that victory,” she said. “It showed me what can happen when people commit themselves to a shared purpose.”
Her community service also played a significant role. She volunteered through churches, schools, senior living communities, ministries, and organizations supporting children with special needs. She said these experiences taught her that impact often comes through small acts of faithfulness and service.
Antonoplos departs Belhaven as a four-time First Team All-CCS selection, a conference player of the year, and a leader whose influence extends beyond the pitch. “Leadership is ultimately stewardship,” she said. “Every opportunity, talent, and platform is a gift from God and a responsibility to serve others and help them reach their potential.”
Looking ahead, she expressed a desire to continue leading with humility and serving with compassion, aiming to honor her faith and positively influence others. The full CCS release can be viewed online. Follow Belhaven athletics on Twitter and Instagram @BelhavenBlazers or on Facebook. Supporters are encouraged to visit Team Green Giving to support Belhaven athletics.
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