Patriotism runs deep at Bridgewater-Raritan High School with Emma Ciocon, who is continuing her academic and athletic career at West Point.

As Ciocon steps onto the John Basilone field at the high school for her final season, she reflects on her time on the Bridgewater-Raritan girls’ lacrosse team.

As a four-year varsity athlete, Ciocon has demonstrated consistency and outstanding leadership skills.

During the 2024 season, Ciocon led the team with 94 goals and 104 passes. As a sophomore, she celebrated a total of 100 career goals. At the conclusion of her junior season, Ciocon had accumulated 200 career goals.

Ciocon specifically chose West Point for its celebrated sports program.

“It is a top D1 program for lacrosse. I wanted to be able to play competitively in college,” she said.

Despite having other offers from schools such as Rutgers, Lehigh, Fairfield and Bucknell, West Point’s impeccable coaching staff and team atmosphere ultimately determined her decision. 

However, athletics were not the only factor that played a role in her decision. Ciocion expressed her value for education alongside athletics.

“I ultimately chose Army because I found it a better fit for myself as the academics were more competitive along with the lacrosse,” Ciocon added.

She is entering West Point undecided as per the school’s entrance requirements for incoming students.

In the upcoming spring season, Ciocon is most looking forward to enjoying her last season with her team. She expressed her admiration for the team.

“I love seeing all the girls everyday, and it’s a great feeling to be able to work hard and compete with each other knowing that we’re helping to make each other better,” she said.

One goal in particular she has for her team this season is to win against Pingry’s girls’ lacrosse team, as they have lost to them for the past two years in the county competition. Her individual determination is only matched by the rest of the team.

“I know we all really want to be able to win it back this year,” Ciocon stated.

Bridgewater-Raritan started the season with a 23-6 victory over Randolph High School.

Bridgewater-Raritan went on to dominate Voorhees on April 1 (18-5), and later Phillipsburg in the home opener on April 3 (15-2). Then Bridgewater-Raritan posted a major victory when it defeated state-ranked and rival Hunterdon Central Regional High School, 9-8 in overtime, on April 10.

As she prepares to graduate, Ciocon looks forward to joining her sister Lea Ciocon, who graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School in 2023 and plays for the women’s lacrosse at West Point. 

As Ciocon prepares to take on the Army program, she leaves behind a firm example of perseverance and dedication. Ciocon is a hard-working athlete who embodies Bridgewater-Raritan’s most upheld qualities: commitment and unwavering drive.