Rice leads Norman to its best season

The thought flashed through Emma Rice’s brain for just a moment. Could this be it? Rice, Norman’s senior forward, was forced to take a spot on the bench in the first half of the Tiger’s opening-round playoff matchup.

Rice said she had been so worried entering that first game against Bixby that it caused her to play tight and caused her to pick up a dumb foul early in the game.

“It just felt like there was so much weighing on us,” Rice said. “I got the yellow and coach ended up sitting me.

“It was a scary moment thinking that it could have been the end to our season.”

Forgive Rice and Norman, it was just a mild case of nervous jitters.

Norman pulled out the win, defeating Bixby 3-0 and moving on in the playoffs where Rice would help carry them.

It was a season of learning and growing for both Rice and the Tigers this year as the crafty forward led the way for Norman’s remarkable 16-2 season that ended in the state semifinals. Rice scored 19 goals and added 15 assists to lead the Tigers in both categories.

For her season she has been named The Oklahoman’s Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

Rice said the season was filled with incredible moments that showed her how great her squad could be.

Norman started off the early part of the year year by travelling to Tulsa Union and blanking the three-time defending state champions at home 1-0.

“That was one of the first moments where we had that realization that we are going to be pretty good this year,” Rice said. “We are gonna do some big things.”

They followed that up with another impressive road win at Owasso and despite following short to Mustang in the playoff semifinals, coach Tyler Hardage said this was one of the school’s best seasons and Rice was a huge reason why.

“Emma really is just such a leader,” Hardage said. “She is a special talent that has played so well for us since she was a freshman even. Just the fiercest competitor I’ve ever coached.”

For Rice, who picked the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha over Memphis to play her college soccer, this season will go down as the most special.

“It feels special being a senior and having the most successful season Norman High has ever had,” Rice said. “Having these girls looking up to you feels like a big responsibility but a really good feeling.”