Lute Salute Series

TACOMA, Wash. - Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer senior Emily Sugimoto has been busy the last four years. With a double major, double minor, involvement on the Lute soccer team and campus activities, she has made the most of her PLU career.
 

Hometown: Renton, Wash.

Highlights: Two-time NWC Champion Two-time NWC Scholar Athlete 30-6-6 as a Lute

 
Sugimoto's favorite memory from soccer was traveling to England with her team. It was the first time she went to Europe, and she enjoyed playing soccer in new places and exploring with her teammates. One highlight was playing soccer at St. George's park. She is grateful for the connections she has made with both her teammates and coaches.
 
"They have helped me grow on and off the field, because I came in really shy and with not much confidence, but over the years, they have and continue to support me no matter what," Sugimoto said.
 
Sugimoto believes her experience as a Lute athlete has taught her how to push through tough situations. In a team sport like soccer, one individual not trying their hardest can affect the whole team. Sugimoto has learned to stay accountable and persevere through challenging games, and knows this skill translates to challenges off the field.
 
"Athletics has taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome many obstacles by working hard, staying determined, and having a positive attitude," Sugimoto said.
 
Along with playing soccer, Sugimoto works in the Athletic Training Room where she enjoys interacting with other athletes and helping them with their injuries. Outside of athletics, she also volunteers for the Middle/High School Programming Contest put on by the PLU CS Department.

"Emily is one of my favorite "stories" for this year," said Head Coach Seth Spidahl. "She took her junior year off to step back and reflect on what was important to her, and she realized soccer was a big part of her experience at PLU!  She has had an amazing fall training camp, is playing better than ever, and was elected to our Leadership council by her peers.  I am so proud of Sugi's desire and commitment to come back and finish what she started.  She is primed and ready to have a great senior Spring season!"
 
On the pitch, the midfielder and Renton, Washington native has appeared in 19 games for the Lutes, helping Pacific Lutheran win Northwest Conference titles in 2017 and 2018. Her two years with the women's soccer team has seen the Lutes compile a 30-6-6 overall record, a 25-4-3 mark in NWC play and an impressive 16-1-3 record at home games on East Field. Off the field, Sugimoto has twice been honored by the conference for her academic exploits, earning the NWC Scholar Athlete Award.
 
Sugimoto will graduate with degrees in Business and Computer Science, and minors in Data Science and Mathematics. She recalls nights where she went "into a Tstad study room when it was light outside and not coming back out until it was light again," but soon those long nights will pay off. After graduation, Sugimoto hopes to land a job in the tech industry.