Florida Lacrosse News is profiling some of our state’s top uncommitted talent.  Today we will feature Emma Braden from St. Andrews.  Emma impressed at the Father’s Day Invitational in Palm Coast.  She used her speed, athleticism, and superior vision to pick a part opposing defense.  Emma also controlled the middle of the field and was able to push the fast break as good as anyone we saw.  She kept her feet moving and was always looking to make a play.  Add her hardworking nature that was evident from watching her play and you get one heck of a player.  So let’s get to know Emma!   Full Name: Emma Braden Position: Midfield Height: 5’3 High School Team: Saint Andrews Club Team: XTEAM Lacrosse Honors: 2^nd Team All District, All-District Honorable Mention, All-County Honorable Mention What camps, clinics, or tournaments are on your schedule for the rest of the off-season? I’ll be going to the Georgetown Camp in early July, and am going to the Grind in Pennsylvania and Capital Cup in Virginia later on in the summer, as well as Presidents Cup, Sandstorm, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West Showcase in the fall. What was your first lacrosse experience? And how long have you been playing? This will be my fifth summer playing travel lacrosse, but I’ve been playing Boca Jets since I was 9. I don’t remember much about my first lacrosse experience, but I do remember running around completely clueless, as I had no idea what I was doing. What is your favorite lacrosse memory? Probably when my club team played this team, Braveheart. Olivia Ferrucci, who in my opinion of some of the best talent coming out of Florida, played on this team, and I was so excited to play against such talent. By the end of the game, the score was tied and we have to go into overtime, where we ended winning. Not only did I assist the winning goal, all of my friends came out to watch. It was such a great moment. How would you describe your style of play? Quick and versatile. What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What are you working to improve? The strongest part of my game is my knowledge if the game, and I am working to improve my 1 on 1 dodges. What is important to you in selecting a college? Good academics, good lacrosse program, and a nice campus. What do you think you will study in college? I have no clue. Which college team or players do you most enjoy watching? I love watching Duke play. The way they move the ball, and work together is amazing and I just totally enjoy watching them dominate. Who was your biggest lacrosse influence?  Either my dad, as he first got me into the sport and continues to influence my game every day, or Caitlin Derry, one of my club team coaches. She is always willing to help me get better and is a great player. What is your lacrosse goal for 2016? Win a district title with my high school team. We’ve really been working in the offseason and can’t wait to see what we all can bring come season. How would you describe your high school team? Super fun, zesty, and full of potential. I have really high expectations for what we can accomplish this upcoming season. How would you like your teammates to describe you? Dedicated and fun to be around. Do you have any pre-game rituals? ­­­I braid my hair a certain way before every game, and I always get an inspirational text from my dad saying good luck. Would you rather ride the bench on a great team OR start for a mediocre team? I’d rather start for a great team… What is the last thing you binge watched on Netflix? Once Upon A Time. Twitter or Instagram? Neither. Highlight Tape: You can see that Emma can make some great plays by watching her highlight tape above! We all ready profiled one of Emma’s St. Andrews teammates, goaltender Liza Diamond.  So, with Diamond on the back end and Braden at midfield, plus three more returning Academic All-Americans, the Scots have a pretty solid nucleus.  Coach Skonieczki should have his team ready to challenge opponents SPanish River and Pope John Paul II for a district championship this spring. Best of luck to Emma Braden!