Emilie Fillion (Sr.) is 5’4 forward on the women’s soccer team and hails from Saint-Hubert, Quebec. So far, Fillion has scored four goals this season.
Grove: “How did you get into sports?”
Fillion: “I started playing soccer around (age) 10 because all my guy friends played and my parents thought it was a great idea to release all my extra energy. I liked playing every sport, but soccer quickly became my favorite because it seemed to be easier for me to kick the ball and run around compared to other kids, which pleased my competitive side a lot.”
Grove: “Did you play any other sports besides soccer growing up?”
Fillion: “I played basketball throughout elementary school, high school and college at home, but soccer was always my priority. I really liked the combination of both sports since they are very different, but I believe they balanced each other well and I was able to incorporate things from one sport to the other which helped me grow as an athlete.”
Grove: “What made you settle on soccer?”
Fillion: “Soccer was always my favorite sport for multiple reasons, but mostly because of the development programs and numerous high level opportunities that were available starting at a very young age. I had great coaches throughout the years who deeply influenced the player that I am today and transmitted their love for the game.”
Grove: “Is there a player you look up to?”
Fillion: “My favorite soccer player is Christine Sinclair. She is our national soccer legend, and has recently been recognized as one of the best soccer players of all-time on the international level after her amazing performance at the 2012 London Olympics. I’ve always looked up to her because of her amazing skills and determination. She has everything a good soccer player needs to be successful and her best moments are always under pressure which shows how great of a soccer player, but also an individual, she is.”
Grove: “Did you have a favorite team growing up?”
Fillion: “I grew up in a hockey nation, so without a doubt my favorite team has always been the Montreal Canadiens. Soccer wise, the Montreal Impact just joined the MLS last year, and even though it has been rough adapting to the new league, I will always cheer for them no matter what happens.”
Grove: “What made you decide to attend WSU and how have you enjoyed your time here?”
Fillion: “A random sequence of events made me decide on Wright State, and I still believe to this day that even though I would have loved going to many other schools, this school was the best fit for me. My teammates are like my family since I am so far away from home, and the school environment as a whole offers a very balanced lifestyle.”
Grove:”How did your first year at WSU go?”
Fillion: “It was definitely a cultural shock, coming from a city-like lifestyle and going to a more country-relaxed area. The language was definitely a huge barrier at the beginning but the people surrounding me made the adaptation much easier than I ever thought it would be. I don’t believe I could have made it through the first year without the help from my teammates and coaching staff.”
Grove: “What are your favorite experiences at Wright State, both on and off the field?”
Fillion: “I could never pick one experience over the numerous ones I have been through while at Wright State, but there are many games I will never forget like vs. Illinois, Auburn, Denver, or other big teams in the nation. Every soccer trip has its own memories that I share with all my teammates, even the ones who already graduated.”
Grove: “What is it like being a full-time student-athlete?”
Fillion: “I actually enjoy being a full-time student-athlete at WSU. It keeps me very busy and entertained at the same time. I like how balancing school and soccer helps me grow every day because of how hard it is, but the passion definitely keeps me going. The athletic department offers a great support and environment for athletes to succeed and develop to their fullest potential.”
