South Lakes' Lopynski a Triple Threat

South Lakes High School's Emily Lopynski doesn’t have much free time these days. The senior is a member of the school’s varsity basketball and track teams and also serves on South Lakes’ Student Government Association’s Executive Council.

Lopynski will play her final home game Friday against Stone Bridge. She is the lone senior on the Seahawks.

“It should be interesting,” Lopynski said about Senior Night. “I’m not one that likes all the attention. But it will be a good way to end my four years.”

Lopynski was thrust into varsity action as a freshman when a starter was forced to sit after missing a practice. Her first brush with varsity basketball still leaves bitter taste in her mouth

“I missed my first two free throws. It’s kind of a haunting memory,” she said with a laugh.

The 5-foot-8 guard has come full circle and has helped guide South Lakes to 13 wins this season.  She currently averages 5.9 points per game, is shooting 64 percent from the free-throw line and has grabbed 25 rebounds. Lopynski’s veteran leadership has helped the younger Seahawk players transition to the varsity game, something she says she’s gotten better at doing each season.

“Each year as you gain more experience, you understand what you need each game" she said. "And as it gets later into the season, it’s easier for you to keep that focus instead of hitting a wall. It gives you composure.”

Christy Winters Scott, South Lakes' head coach and alum of the school says she has watched Lopynski mature.

“We were senior-heavy her freshman year," the coach said. "I think that Emily learned a lot from that group because they went from winning three games to winning 19.

“For her to come on board at that point was very inspiring, and she’s told me that those players impacted her leadership skills,” said Winters Scott.

While Lopynski’s leadership skills were forged during her formative South Lakes years, her athleticism on the basketball court is a product of her track and field background. Last season, the hurdler earned All-Liberty District honors and participated in the state tournament. When asked what sport she prefers most, she struggled to name one.

“I really can’t choose… they’re so different," Lopynski said. "One’s a team sport while the other is more focused on individual achievement.”

As one regular season game remains on the Seahawks’ schedule, Lopynski says she hopes to help carry the team deep into regional and state play.  

Lopynski is undecided on which college to attend, but says she has applied to James Madison and William and Mary, among others. And while she won’t be attending college on an athletic scholarship, it only makes sense that she has lofty expectations on what to do with her free time.

“More than likely I’ll play club or intramural sports. I definitely want to keep playing," she said. "I’m a competitor so I always have to play. I have to be doing something active or competitive.”

And as her history suggests, she’s likely to excel.