·  Emily Zygmontowicz, still leading Central Kitsap in a state soccer run, signs a letter of intent to play basketball at the Big Sky Conference school.

By Steve Jones, Sun Staff
November 11, 2004

It's hard to argue things aren't going well for Emily Zygmontowicz this week.

Tuesday, the Central Kitsap star goal keeper was the hero in the victorious Cougars' first-ever state soccer game against Bothell.

Wednesday, the Central Kitsap star point guard earned a Division-I basketball scholarship and officially signed to play for Idaho State University.

"I think it's going pretty well right now in my senior year," said Zygmontowicz, a humble girl of few words, but several talents.

As the goalie for the Cougars in the first round of state, Zygmontowicz all but single-handedly willed Central past favored Bothell, the previously unbeaten KingCo champion. She made a series of diving saves throughout the game and allowed only one goal in a decisive overtime shootout.

But as impressive as her prep soccer credentials continue to be — she was also voted Narrows League Bridge Division co-MVP — Zygmontowicz believes her real future is on the hardwood.

The state soccer run "just made it even more enjoyable and memorable," she said. "It's pretty much going to be my last time playing soccer, so that's a great way to end my soccer career.

"I enjoy basketball a lot more because it's just more quick-paced."

By utilizing the same physical gifts that make her a dominant goalie, Zygmontowicz is a quick, aggressive guard on the court.

She guided the Cougars to a solid 17-8 record last year — one game shy of state — and averaged 13 points and 2.8 assists along the way. As a sophomore, she helped the Cougars (21-8) reach the state tournament.

"It doesn't matter what sport it is, she's just so athletic," CK hoops coach Denise Baxter said. "Her strength, her quickness, her foot speed, her agility, her balance, everything. That's what's gotten her to the next level. Her high school career is just the beginning."

Baxter said the 5-8 Zygmontowicz is the most athletic player she's had at the guard position in her tenure at CK.

Her athleticism is "a great base for a college coach to work with," Baxter said. "She's not going to get down there and them find any holes in her athletic abilities, that's for sure."

Zygmontowicz said she never seriously considered any school other than ISU, a Big Sky Conference member located in Pocatello, and the pitch of playing time as a freshman by Bengals coach John Newlee was too much to pass up.

The Bengals finished 20-9 and in second place in the Big Sky last year; they're picked to finish third in 2005.

"They pretty much told me that if I chose to go there, I would get a full ride and be playing as a freshman," Zygmontowicz said. "I really didn't have too much choosing to do. I just pretty much went with what (Newlee) told me, that I wouldn't have to redshirt. I thought that was pretty cool."

Zygmontowicz, a Sun Super Six basketball selection for 2003-04, is the second in her family to attain a Division-I scholarship. Sister Nicole, a former Sun Female Athlete of the Year, is a former CK Cougar and current Houston Cougar, now in her sophomore season on that school's soccer team.

Debra Zygmontowicz, Emily's mother and a former high school athlete in three sports, said she's pleased her daughters have had the talent and opportunities to succeed in athletics.

"Sometimes when I'm up in the stands, I kind of see myself trying to relive my life through them," she said. "I've just gotten a lot of pleasure out of watching them play and get better."