Australian MF Emma Bates added to 2022 Roster

Published by San Antonio Athenians SC Communications 2/24/22

Australian Midfielder Emma Bates of the Louisiana University Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns is the first international player to be added to the Athenians’ 2022 roster!

Bates, a native of Central Coast, Australia, is a dual citizen of Australia and England and has represented the former at the U17 level, called in to the Junior Matildas program in August 2019. She has played in the Football NSW National Premier League 1 for both Newcastle Jets FC Academy and Northern Tigers FC. She made the move to senior soccer in 2020, playing for the Adamstown Rosebuds in the NNSW NPL where she was named vice captain and awarded the Senior Player of the Year and Golden Boot awards.

Bates joined up with the Ragin’ Cajuns for the 2022 spring season, her first at the NCAA D1 level. Athenians’ fans will be familiar with the school as the former home of Athenians’ defender Ashley Newland.

Speaking to the club ahead of her announcement, Emma remarked on her anticipation for the summer season ahead: “It is a great honor to have signed with the Athenians for the 2022 season. I am very excited to be a part of the club’s future and am looking forward to working hard for success alongside my new teammates.”

Bates is the 5th member of the Athenians’ 2022 squad to be announced so far and the first new face amongst the 5, joining Ashley Newland, Helene Farris, Olivia Wright, and Mia Wildeman. Stay tuned to sanantonioathenians.com and all the club’s social media to keep in the loop on all things happening with the #AthenaFamily!