Alumni in Action: Emma Petrache

For Emma Petrache, growth has come from learning when to push herself — and when to take a step back and keep things in perspective. A Cherry Creek High School graduate, Emma’s journey from student-athlete to sports professional, Emma learned important lessons about working through life’s challenges.

Looking back, Emma wishes she could remind her high school self not to carry quite so much weight. During her time at Creek, grades, social dynamics, and future plans felt permanent — a feeling intensified by graduating during the COVID lockdown. Milestones looked different than expected, plans shifted overnight, and moments that students anticipated for years were suddenly cut short.

“Big moments were taken away before we even had time to appreciate them,” Emma reflected. “But what mattered more was learning how to show up, put in effort, and keep perspective when things didn’t go perfectly.”

That ability to keep moving forward — even when circumstances are uncertain — was shaped in part by the educators and coaches who challenged her to grow.

One of the most influential figures in Emma’s high school experience was Ben Hanson, who served as both her soccer coach and science teacher. What stood out most, Emma said, was his authenticity.

“He genuinely cared about teaching and coaching,” she shared. “He was invested in who you were becoming — not just how you performed in class or on the field.”

Coach Hanson was known for his honesty and high expectations, holding students accountable because he believed in their potential. One lesson in particular stayed with Emma after she was cut from the soccer team her junior year.

“He made it clear that nothing is guaranteed,” Emma said. “If you want something — a roster spot, an opportunity, success — you have to earn it.”

That mindset has stayed with her well beyond high school. Emma credits those lessons with helping her navigate challenges in college and in her professional career today.

Emma now works as an Account Executive in Group Sales for the Colorado Rapids, where personal accountability and self-discipline are essential. Success in her role depends on managing time effectively, staying organized, and following through — skills she first developed at Cherry Creek.

“Cherry Creek offered a lot of freedom,” Emma said. “And with that freedom came responsibility. No one was monitoring every move — it was up to you to manage your time, meet expectations, and own your results.”

That independence taught her how to self-motivate and hold herself to a high standard, even when no one is watching — a lesson she relies on daily in the fast-paced world of professional sports.

“Effort matters,” she said. “You really do get out of it what you put in.”

Today, Emma’s career places her behind the scenes of one of Colorado’s premier professional sports organizations, but her foundation was built years earlier — through lessons learned in classrooms, on the soccer field, and during moments that didn’t go as planned.

High school, she says, will always be an important part of her story — just not the whole thing.

“It’s okay to take some pressure off,” Emma reflected. “Enjoy the moments, have fun, and trust that growth continues long after graduation.”