Atlanta college soccer is having a moment — and Emory University is leading the charge. For the first time in program history, both the men’s and women’s soccer teams are Final Four bound, and the University Athletic Association (UAA) took notice in a big way: six Eagles were named UAA Athletes of the Week, highlighting one of the most dominant stretches in Emory Athletics history.
For Atlanta-area soccer fans — including the thousands of youth players, parents, and coaches who follow local college developments closely — Emory’s success offers a powerful reminder of how strong the city’s soccer pathways have become. And with the men’s team headed to its first-ever Final Four and the women returning for the second straight season, momentum across the program has never been higher.
Emory Women’s Soccer: Mikayla Camp and Sophia Garcia Lead a Locked-In Squad
Sophomore forward Mikayla Camp electrified the NCAA sectional weekend in Lexington, scoring three of Emory’s four goals as the Eagles returned to the national semifinals. In Saturday’s 3–1 win over Johns Hopkins, Camp struck twice — once in each half — including the 56th-minute go-ahead goal that changed the match’s energy entirely.
A day later, she buried the lone goal in a 1–0 quarterfinal win over Pomona-Pitzer, cementing her place as one of Division III’s most dangerous postseason players.
Behind her, senior goalkeeper Sophia Garcia put together arguably the best weekend of her career. Garcia delivered eight saves across two elimination matches, including three huge stops against the Blue Jays and another set of four against Pomona-Pitzer. Her command, composure, and championship-level confidence have become foundational to Emory’s Final Four run.
Emory Men’s Soccer: Historic Run Fueled by Halpern, Cubeddu, and Clutch Performances
On the men’s side, history was made on Sunday night. After 110 tense minutes ended scoreless, Emory defeated Dickinson 4–3 in penalties to secure the program’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Division III Final Four.
Junior goalkeeper Geoffrey Halpern was the difference-maker, earning UAA recognition after posting back-to-back shutouts, including a season-high six saves during an intense second half and overtime period against Dickinson. From point-blank denials to full-extension dives, Halpern repeatedly rescued the Eagles and gave them their chance in the shootout.
Graduate student Ignacio Cubeddu was just as vital — firing off a team-leading 11 shots across the weekend and scoring the decisive penalty that sealed the historic victory. His veteran leadership and attacking instincts make him one of the most important pieces of Emory’s Final Four puzzle.
Other Standouts: Olson Dominates in Hoops, Fauss Returns in Style
Though soccer stole the headlines, Emory Athletics was strong across the board:
- Freshman Tatum Olson dropped 23 points in just 21 minutes in a blowout basketball win over Rhodes.
- Junior Ethan Fauss, returning from injury, posted 20 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks and six assists in a comeback victory over Guilford.
Their inclusion in the UAA weekly honors underscores the depth and quality within Emory’s athletic department.
How Emory Reached This Moment
The past several weeks serve as a testament to Emory’s growth across both soccer programs:
- Elite recruiting pipelines, many connected to Atlanta’s vast youth soccer ecosystem
- Experienced coaching leadership, particularly under men’s head coach Cory Greiner
- Consistent postseason performance, with both teams now among the national elite
Atlanta’s soccer culture — from Atlanta United’s academy to the thriving high school scene — provides fertile ground for programs like Emory to build championship-level rosters.
For more Atlanta soccer context, check out:
Why Youth Development Is Surging in Georgia Soccer
How Local Clubs Are Feeding College Programs Across the Southeast
What This Means for Atlanta Soccer — and What’s Next
Emory’s dual Final Four runs signal something bigger than a great season — they reflect the rise of Atlanta as one of America’s premier soccer cities.
For Local Players
More visibility means more opportunities. Young athletes in Georgia can see a clear path from club and high school soccer to competitive college play — without leaving the state.
For Atlanta Fans
This is another reason to stay locked into the city’s soccer ecosystem. While MLS dominates the headlines, Atlanta’s college landscape is producing its own powerhouse programs.
For Emory
The women’s team looks poised to chase a national title for the second consecutive season.
The men — fueled by a record-setting defensive backbone — are writing the next chapter of a historic campaign.
Both squads will compete in Salem, Virginia beginning December 5.
Related Stories on ASN
- Emory Men Punch Ticket to First-Ever Final Four After Thriller vs. Dickinson
- Emory Women Return to Final Four Behind Camp’s Dominant Weekend
- Atlanta’s College Soccer Pipeline Is Stronger Than Ever in 2025
Join the Conversation
Emory is making history — and Atlanta soccer fans are along for the ride.
Who do you think has the best chance to bring home a national championship?
Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media. Let’s talk Atlanta soccer.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.