STOCKTON—Dani Hemeon caught herself cheering on her cousin, Emma Leach, and had to stop herself. Under normal circumstances, she’d be rooting for her as loud as anyone, but Sept. 14 was anything but normal.
On that day, Hemeon and Leach were opponents playing field hockey for the University of Iowa and University of the Pacific, respectively. It was the first time the cousins had played for different teams, seeking different outcomes and it was something that Hemeon had been waiting for.
“It was definitely an awesome experience, something that I was looking forward to all year since we found out our schedules back in the spring,” the Hawkeye said. “To go against her and to see how much she’s grown and the player she’s become was really fun.”
For Leach, the game was the pinnacle of her journey through the game to date. She had followed her cousin’s example since Hemeon introduced her to the game in sixth grade. They played alongside one another on the Infinity Field Hockey club team under the direction of Adam Gemar, who would also coach them at Gilroy High. They had the opportunity to be Mustang teammates for one season when Hemeon was a senior and Leach a freshman. When Leach saw her cousin sign with a Division I school, she knew that’s what she wanted to do, too.
“It was like everything added up in one game from where I started and she started,” Leach said. “I’ve been following in her footsteps and it’s cool to see her at this Division I. It’s cool how we had the family and friends who have watched us along the way see where we’ve ended up.”
It was a family affair off the field, too.
The girls’ entire family —moms, dads, aunts, uncles, siblings, grandparents and even former coach Gemar and his family—turned out to watch the once in a lifetime game. Shirts with both players name and number—they’re both No. 19—with the phrase “Gilroy Grown” on them were worn by the group which loudly cheered from the sideline.
“It was really cool. I was really embarrassed at first being the freshman and having all these people here just for you,” Leach said with a laugh. “Deep down I was really super grateful.”
“We’re one huge, crazy family and I love it. I wouldn’t want to be a part of anything else,” Hemeon add. “Just having everyone be there to show support for both of us was more than we could’ve asked for. It kind made the whole game even more special.”
The game ended up in Iowa’s favor as the Hawkeyes won 5-1 with two goals coming from Hemeon in the first half.
As a senior, Hemeon’s collegiate field hockey career will be coming to an end shortly. She said she’s already told Leach she’ll be living vicariously through her when she hangs up her stick at the end of the year, but she also had some words of wisdom to share with her younger cousin.
“I feel like she’s already better than me when I was that age,” Hemeon said “(I just want her to) kind of take it day by day. It goes by fast, so don’t let any moments pass you by without knowing you did everything you could.”
Leach’s college experience is just beginning, but she said she’ll never forget who inspired her to get here and wanted to thank Hemeon for being such a big part of it.
“She’s been nothing but supportive,” Leach said. “She’s been the one I’ve always looked up to. I’m so grateful that we got to play each other.”
