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11/16/2016 11:00 PMLike many children, Emily McLaughlin played several sports when she was growing up. Although she enjoyed most of them, Emily still yearned to find the one she was passionate about. Emily had no idea that a middle school gym class would ignite her love for volleyball and take her along such a rewarding path.
Emily dropped her other sports and dedicated herself to learning about volleyball and the skills needed to succeed in the sport. Emily joined the volleyball program at Valley Regional as a freshman and, by her sophomore year, she was a member of the varsity squad. Emily’s also worked hard in the classroom and has earned high honors during all four years of her high school tenure.
“Playing a sport can be difficult, but beneficial. You do have less time, but it also helps me manage my schedule,” says Emily. “I devote my time to academics first and then the rest goes to volleyball.”
This fall, Emily was a senior co-captain who earned All-Shoreline Conference Second Team honors for Valley. She helped the team record 16 victories, including three in the postseason.
“Making Second Team All-Conference was always something I’ve been working towards, too, and I’m honored for the recognition of my hard work,” says Emily. “But it wasn’t the most important goal I was concerned about. I was more focused on our achievements as a team and not a personal achievement for myself.”
Emily’s leadership skills have grown throughout her four years with the Warriors. She’s become more confident while gaining additional experience and Head Coach Kathy Scott has certainly taken note of that.
“She is a great leader on and off the court. She has been key to bonding this year’s younger team following the graduation of six key seniors,” Scott says. “Her teammates selected her as a captain because she listens to others, has great varsity experience, is well respected, and has a good balance of fun and focus that she brings to the team.”
Emily knows it’s important for athletes to build friendships while they bond as a family. However, she also realized the importance of establishing her role as a leader by maintaining respect and getting everyone focused when it was necessary.
“As a captain, I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t just a leader to the team, but that I was an outlet for my teammates,” Emily says. “I wanted others to find comfort in me and understand that everyone has a voice. With that also means I must make good decisions because actions speak louder than words.”
Coach Scott praises Emily for her selfless actions with how she always put the club above herself and supported her teammates no matter what.
“She has the ability to see the big picture of what is best for the team, which is quite rare for a high school athlete,” Scott says. “We’ve had conversations about the shift from [the coach’s perspective to the big picture] and how it’s a learned trait. Emily is mastering this trait and leading by example.”
Emily says the Warriors worked more on sharpening the mental aspect of their game this year. Every player wrote down their goals in a journal and kept adding to it as the campaign progressed.
“It’s important not to get mad with yourself or your team,” explains Emily. “You can’t win a game by yourself and you can’t lose a game by yourself.”
Prior to this season, Emily had played the middle hitter position for Valley. However, the graduation of last year’s seniors left openings on the outside and so Emily moved to that spot. Emily had a lot to learn, but in the end, she became a more well-rounded athlete as a result.
“I’ve always been open to playing where ever I was needed,” she says. “The beginning was difficult and I found myself getting frustrated at times. I felt like I was learning the sport all over again, but with practice and the right attitude, I saw how learning a new position helped me to become a better all-around player. It helped make me a better passer and server.”
Emily ultimately used her vertical jump, agility, and versatility to record 198 kills on the year. Her multi-faceted skillset features a great attack that includes a nice hard line shot, tips, and roll shots. Emily has honed her abilities by playing volleyball year-round. From the end of November to the last week of May, she participates in a volleyball academy that specifically focuses on individual skills to help athletes stay on top of their game and in shape. After that, Emily transitions into playing in a competitive summer league in Coventry with her teammates. In addition, Valley’s captains run their own practices to help guide incoming freshmen.
Coach Scott appreciates how all this extra effort made Emily a valued member of the Valley volleyball team for the past four years.
“She has a great work ethic and plays with a lot of heart, intensity, and passion,” says Scott. “We love her sense of humor and her maturity and she is highly regarded by peers and faculty alike.”