ATLANTA, Ga. - Belhaven Women's Soccer standout Emma Antonoplos has been named Belhaven's nominee for the 2025-26 Collegiate Conference of the South Woman of the Year award.

The award recognizes the top female student-athlete for their athletic, academic, service, and leadership involvement during the academic year.

Antonoplos closed her Belhaven career as one of the most accomplished players in program history. She finished third all-time in goals with 31, while ranking fourth in program history in both points with 82 and assists with 20.

Her final season with the Blazers added another chapter to an already decorated career. Antonoplos was named the 2025 CCS Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-CCS First Team honors for the fourth consecutive season.

While the individual honors helped define her place in the Belhaven record book, Antonoplos said her time as a Blazer shaped her far beyond the soccer field.

"Throughout my time at Belhaven University, I have been blessed with opportunities that have challenged me, strengthened my faith, and shaped me into the person I am today," Antonoplos said. "As a student-athlete, leader, and servant, I have learned that success is not measured by accomplishments alone but by how we use the gifts God has given us to serve others and bring Him glory."

For Antonoplos, balancing academics and athletics required discipline, consistency and trust.

"Striving to grow both in the classroom and on the field taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and faithful stewardship of the opportunities God provided," Antonoplos said. "Through both successes and setbacks, God continually reminded me that my identity is found in Him rather than any title, award, or accomplishment."

She also served as a captain for the Blazers, a role she described as one of the greatest privileges of her college experience.

"Leadership taught me that influence is not about recognition but about serving others, encouraging teammates, and helping create an environment where people can grow," Antonoplos said. "I was honored to earn recognition during my final four seasons, but the accomplishments I value most are the ones we achieved together as a team."

One of those accomplishments came when Antonoplos helped lead Belhaven to the first conference tournament championship victory in program history.

"The most meaningful moment of my athletic career was helping lead our program to the first conference tournament championship victory in school history," Antonoplos said. "That experience showed me what can happen when people commit themselves to a shared purpose and support one another through every challenge."

Antonoplos' impact also stretched into the community. During her time at Belhaven, she served through churches, schools, senior living communities, ministries and organizations supporting children with special needs.

Those experiences helped shape the way she viewed leadership and service.

"These experiences taught me that making a difference does not always happen through grand accomplishments," Antonoplos said. "Often it happens through faithfulness in small moments, offering encouragement, and being willing to serve wherever there is a need."

Antonoplos leaves Belhaven as one of the top players in program history, a four-time First Team All-CCS selection, a conference player of the year and a leader whose impact reached well beyond the field.

"Belhaven has helped me understand that leadership is ultimately stewardship," Antonoplos said. "Every opportunity, talent, and platform we are given is a gift from God and a responsibility to use for His purposes. Whether in the classroom, on the soccer field, or in the community, I have learned that true impact comes from serving others and helping them reach their potential."

"As I move forward, I hope to continue leading with humility, serving with compassion, and using the lessons I have learned at Belhaven to honor Christ and positively influence the world around me."

To view the full release from the CCS click here. 

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