Nov 24, 2024 By Jonathan Guth 4 min read

Being a younger sibling in any environment is tough.

Try being the youngest of five.

Growing up in an athletic family with three older brothers and an older sister, Emilee Tonkovich had to sink or swim.

Fortunately for Tonkovich, she was able to swim … and play soccer at a high level.

The Canon-McMillan senior recently signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and soccer careers at Division I Cleveland State. Tonkovich had announced her commitment on May 29 on Instagram before making it official Nov. 13.

“I was really excited to commit to a school that wanted me for athletic and academic reasons,” Tonkovich said. “It was a relief to make the commitment because I could focus on my senior year of high school soccer.”

Tonkovich’s sister, Sarah, is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, where she is also a member of the women’s soccer team.

Emilee Tonkovich knew she had big shoes to fill, and it has been so far, so good.

“I was always inspired by my sister,” Tonkovich said. “My three brothers all played sports, and they did very well. I know I had to step up.”

Tonkovich began playing soccer at a young age (5-6) where the idea is to get a feel of the game, but she grew into playing defense and started to really focus on competing at the collegiate level as she was heading into high school.

“I have always known that I want to play college soccer, especially at a Division-I school,” Tonkovich said. “I really started to push during my eighth grade year and that carried over to my freshman year and throughout my high school career.”

Tonkovich plays club soccer for the Beadling Girls Academy 06-07 team that is located in Southpointe.

Beadling is coached by Matt Fonagy, who also coaches Canon-McMillan. Tonkovich was playing for Beadling when Cleveland State head coach Mark Sappington and assistant coach Erica Ludwikowski first saw her in action. Sappington had just taken the job when he witnessed Tonkovich in action.

“Coach Matt (Fonagy), my high school and Beadling coach, has been a big part of my soccer career and helped me get to where I am today,” Tonkovich said. “He pushed me to be a better player and person.”

Tonkovich committed to play left outside back for the Vikings. She played defense in high school, but was able to put in two goals. Tonkovich is aware that defenders normally don’t get the headlines, but what she and her teammates on the backline are always appreciated by the rest of the squad and coaches.

“It’s a big team game, and we all have to work together to get that clean sheet,” Tonkovich said. “It does feel good to not let the 1-on-1 battle go through.

“I think what pushed me to play defense was my ability to use my speed to get back and chase down girls who are trying to score on us. I believe my soccer IQ is very good and I am good in the air.”

Tonkovich said playing professional soccer would be a “dream come true,” but she hopes to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) or become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or nurse practitioner.

Tonkovich may have dealt with some “tough love” from her four older siblings, but she credits them for making her what she is today.

“My siblings gave me some tough skin,” Tonkovich said. “My parents and the rest of my family and friends have been there for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I have a great support system.”