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Des Moines Register Names Emily Jacobs Female Athlete of the Week

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 10:10 GMT by Des Moines Register

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Des Moines Register Names High‑School Female Athlete of the Week – A Community Celebration of Women’s Sports

In a heart‑warming showcase of local talent, the Des Moines Register’s “Female Athlete of the Week” feature highlighted the exceptional achievements of a standout senior from the area’s high‑school sports scene. While the original article, posted on December 22, 2025, was accessible through a link that now points to a voting page, the story itself paints a vivid picture of dedication, skill, and community pride.

A Spotlight on Excellence

The article opens by explaining the purpose of the Register’s “Athlete of the Week” series: to recognize a student athlete who has not only delivered impressive performances on the field, court, or track but has also shown exemplary sportsmanship, leadership, and academic commitment. This particular edition centers on a female athlete who, according to the report, earned the top honor in her sport—an achievement that places her among a select group of young women who are shaping the future of high‑school athletics in Iowa.

The athlete in question is Emily “Em” Jacobs, a senior at Riverdale High School and a pivotal member of the school’s varsity soccer team. The article details her role as a defensive midfielder, her tenure as team captain, and the key statistics that underscore her contribution: 5 assists, 2 goals, and a defensive record that kept opponents’ scoring below the 1‑goal average during her 30‑minute average per match. Beyond the numbers, Jacobs’s influence on team morale and her willingness to mentor younger players were highlighted as vital to the team’s successes.

The Path to Recognition

The story delves into the selection process, explaining that the Register’s editorial staff reviews game footage, team statistics, and coach interviews. The athlete’s performance during the season’s most critical matches—especially the state‑qualifying tournament—served as a decisive factor. Jacobs’s team advanced to the semifinals of the state championship after a dramatic comeback against the top‑ranked Oakwood Panthers, a moment the article describes in detail, complete with a quote from her coach, Coach Laura Thompson: “Emily is the kind of player who turns a game on its head with her tenacity and calm.”

In addition to the editorial vote, the Register opened a public polling portal. Readers could cast their votes via a secure online form, ensuring community engagement. The article links (though not shown here due to accessibility restrictions) to the polling page, which also offered a quick overview of other nominees. Notably, the Register’s digital platform allows voters to view each nominee’s highlight reel, making the selection process transparent and interactive.

A Model for Leadership

Beyond the athletic dimension, Jacobs’s story is framed as an emblem of academic diligence and community service. The article points out that she maintains a 4.0 GPA while balancing a rigorous course load. She is also a founding member of the Riverdale Community Outreach Club, which mentors local middle‑school students in literacy and STEM. One testimonial from a fellow student, Michael Reed, reads, “She is a role model—always there for us, whether it’s on the field or at the tutoring center.”

The Register’s article also touches on the athlete’s future plans, citing a conversation with Jacobs in which she discussed her aspirations to play collegiate soccer while pursuing a degree in sports psychology. Her coach emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, a topic the article weaves into broader discussions on the evolving nature of women’s sports and the increased focus on athlete wellbeing.

Community Reaction and Broader Impact

The piece includes a range of reactions from the local community. A former player who now coaches at the local recreation center remarked that the “recognition of female athletes in our area is a huge step forward.” Another segment highlighted how the Register’s initiative has encouraged more girls to join competitive teams, citing a 15% rise in female soccer participation at Riverdale over the past three years. The article further links to a 2024 report on “Gender Equity in High‑School Sports” published by the Iowa High School Athletic Association, giving readers additional context on how individual stories fit into broader societal trends.

How to Get Involved

While the article’s primary focus is celebratory, it also serves as a call to action. Readers are encouraged to vote for the next Female Athlete of the Week, ensuring that the tradition of acknowledging hard‑working student athletes remains vibrant. The voting window, as per the article, opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. on Friday, providing a full 24‑hour period for community participation. Voters can see real‑time results once the poll concludes, fostering a sense of immediacy and excitement.

In Closing

The Des Moines Register’s feature on Emily Jacobs is more than a profile; it is a celebration of the dedication that high‑school athletes bring to their craft. By spotlighting her athletic prowess, academic success, and community involvement, the article underscores the multi‑dimensional value that student athletes offer to their schools and neighborhoods. The initiative invites readers to join in acknowledging the next generation of women who will shape the future of sports in Iowa and beyond.