Emmett Pfeifer helping lead Bulldogs as districts approach

The Notre Dame Bulldogs soccer team is a club that features a multitude of seniors.

Those various seniors all produce in their own way, but one that stands out is Emmett Pfeifer.

Pfeifer has spent all four years of his high school career in the Bulldogs’ soccer program, something he doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Pfeifer said. “I couldn’t be more thankful for a good group of guys to play with and good coaching.”

Coming in as a freshman, Pfeifer still remembers how nerve wracking the experience was.

“I was really nervous,” Pfeifer said. “I didn’t know anybody at Notre Dame so it was a culture shock kind of.”

The way Pfeifer leads is unique, he is the type of teammate that keeps the mood light and makes sure his group has fun.

“Sports are cool and they should be enjoyable,” Bulldogs coach Matt Vollink said. “Emmett is very much able to work unbelievably hard but also enjoy it and make it fun for everybody at the same time which is a skill.”

Pfeifer said he just wants to make sure everyone’s mindset is right throughout the grind of a season.

“Nobody likes when we’re getting yelled at or overheating at times,” Pfeifer said. “I just like to have fun with it. That’s what we’re here for.”

Vollink said Pfeifer is a player that is very hard on himself which leads to positive results on the field.

“Because he’s so hard on himself, he wants to do better and work harder,” Vollink said. “The key for him is he always wants to figure out what he can do, which is remarkable. He is getting better because of that.”

Pfeifer said he has always been hard on himself as an athlete growing up.

“I always want to do good and I just don’t want to let anyone down,” Pfeifer said.

The motivation to always be better is something that Vollink said will benefit Pfeifer long after high school sports.

“That’s what will make you successful in life,” Vollink said. “When you hold yourself to a high standard and you demand a lot, that’s why he does so well in school and a lot of different things. He works unbelievably hard at everything he does.”

Pfeifer and the Bulldogs are back in action at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, when they take on the Cape Central Tigers at Cape Central High School.