Russ Rose Then (2002): “Emily comes from a family that values academics as well as athletics, from the success that her father had as a college and professional football player to all of the siblings being involved in athletics. The family is very supportive and all of the children play hard and make great contributions to the teams they are on. It’s an athletic family but what is also so interesting is that it is obviously a family that values the experiences they have had at Penn State. Because of that, I believe that when you get players who desire to be here, you are going to be rewarded for that. I like the way Emily plays. She is going to valuable as a backup setter and a backrow player, and once she determines which
areas she needs to focus on, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Emily put some pressure on people.”

2002 Season (Freshman): Did not play in 2002.  Did not play for Penn State in subsequent seasons.

Before Penn State: Ten-time letterwinner at Allentown Central Catholic high school in Allentown, Pa. ( 4-volleyball, 4-basketball, 2-track) … was named volleyball team captain as a senior for the Vikings … led team to four straight East Penn conference championships ( 1998-2001) … 2001 District XI champions … 2001 Pennsylvania State 3A Champions … also led her basketball team to two state championships in 2000 and 2001 … recipient of the Who’s Who award, the All-American scholar award, the National English Merit Award, the United States National Leadership Merit Award … nominee for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Trophy.