Emma Simon: Queen of the Goal

Junior Emma Simon blocks a shot in a game at Valencia High School, photo credit: Gavin Abrams.

In the 2026 season, the CCHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse team was led on a long, victorious journey by their female goalie Emma Simon, a junior at Culver City High School.

Emma has played lacrosse for 11 years, starting her pursuit in kindergarten on a Santa Monica recreational team called the Vikings. She was inspired to play by her two older brothers because, as all little sisters tend to, she wanted to copy them. However, her journey in boys lacrosse began many years later in 8th grade, when she was dared by her 8th grade history teacher, Mr. Foster, to try out. Emma was motivated by the promised pizza party if she made the team, and so, shortly after the dare was given, Emma was the newest member on the CCMS Boys Lacrosse team.

Emma's 4 years in boys lacrosse reached a high point this year when she helped the team make it to playoffs. One of her proudest moments reflecting on this season was that, “I helped our team make it to the playoffs for the first time in several years,” says Emma. She even met her ambition of scoring a goal in high school lacrosse since she usually plays goalie. “Without Emma we would never have won two playoff games, or even made it to the playoffs,” her teammate said.

Her key to success is staying concentrated throughout the entire game. To help both the defense and herself, she makes sure to communicate constantly and always gathers the defense together to discuss improvements. “[Talking] helps me stay present and it also helps direct the defense,” says Emma. Another way for her to remain focused is hitting all three goal posts to get ready to make a save.

In November of 2025, Emma committed to the next chapter of her lacrosse career at the University of Louisville, playing for their D1 women's lacrosse team. While her future in lacrosse is full of possibilities, one thing is for sure: our boys team is going to miss her.