Name: Emma Yoder

Grade: Senior

Sport: Basketball

What is your outlook on this season?

“I think this season is going to be a great season for girls basketball. We are putting in a ton of work, but we are also having a ton of fun. I think that is a big difference that we are implementing this year: fun and positivity. It’s a lot of our last seasons, and we want to go out with a bang and have a lot of fun doing it. I am really excited about this season and the memories that come with it.”

What are some team goals for this season?

“As a team I would say we definitely want to win [the] conference and win Districts. These are definitely goals that are reachable for us this year, and we are putting in a lot of hard work to help us achieve these goals. We also are putting together a Mental Health Awareness game, so I think as a team we want it to be really awesome.”

What are some personal goals for this season?

“This season my main goal is to try my hardest and be a big contribution offensively and defensively. I would love to earn All-Conference as well.”

Why did you start playing basketball?

“Honestly, I started playing basketball because I was tall. My dad signed me up for his YMCA team when I was younger because he thought I might be good at it, and the rest was history.”

What is your favorite part about being on your team?

“I love this team. I love being able to hang out with all the girls 24/7 during the season and hanging with them outside of season. We really stick together and mesh well and it really makes basketball season fun.”

What is the best part about playing basketball?

“My favorite part about playing basketball is the fast pace and working as a team. I love the intensity of basketball season. I also love how everything is about the team in basketball, no one person can do it all. I love working as a team, especially with the girls we have.”

What is your biggest inspiration in sports?

“My biggest inspiration when I’m playing is my great grandmother. She passed away a little over a year ago and it was one of the hardest times of my life. I had a special connection with her that the other people in my family didn’t have. She used to come to my games and cheer me on, and I can still picture her sitting next to my mom in the stands. I write her initials on my shoes, which are also my initials, and whenever I need something to keep me going I look at it.”

What is a quote that inspires you?

“a��I can do anything through him who gives me strength.a�� – Philippians 4:13. I also write this quote on my shoes.”