Emery Williams, a senior at Community Christian High School, has been playing volleyball for six years. She first picked up the sport thanks to her older sister, Ashlyn. “My older sister was playing, and she slowly taught me the sport, and I fell in love with it,” Emery shared. That early exposure to volleyball quickly turned into a passion that would shape much of her high school experience.
For Emery, her team’s chemistry is one of the standout aspects of this season. “We don’t really have one big star hitter or position on our team, so that makes all of us have to equally contribute,” she explained. The camaraderie she shares with her teammates extends beyond the school season. Many of them play together in club volleyball, making their connection even stronger.
As an outside hitter, Emery knows the responsibility that comes with her position. “Getting to be on the court a vast majority of the time comes with some pressure, sure, but I know I always have my friends out there with me who are stuck in the same game that I’m in,” she said. This mindset helps her manage the intensity of competition and keeps her focused on playing her best.
One of the highlights of Emery’s volleyball career was winning the 4A state championship last season. “We worked so hard last season, and just seeing that everything paid off was so awesome,” she recalled. The victory was especially meaningful for the team’s seniors. “Getting our seniors one last title was so special,” Emery added.
Having a strong support system has been integral to Emery’s success on the court: “I would like to thank my family, of course. They have been to every game near and far and have spent who knows how much money on volleyball for me. I also would like to thank all of my past club coaches for not only making me better every single practice, but for putting me on a team with the best people ever.”
Looking ahead, Emery sees herself attending Baylor University and pursuing a career in athletic training. While she may not continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level, the sport will always hold a special place in her heart. As she puts it, “I love it so much!”