Emma Smith (Konni Smith photos)
Smith (4) and some of her Wolf teammates hang out.
Smith (4) and teammate Ashley Menges.
Emma Smith isn’t afraid of learning new things.
In the classroom or playing one of her many sports, the Coupeville Middle School eighth grader always keeps an open mind in her pursuit of knowledge.
“My favorite classes are history and science,” Smith said. “I love learning, no matter how confusing it can get.
“I love reading,” she added. “It’s my favorite thing to do whenever I’m alone or bored.”
Her pursuit of excellence has taken her to the volleyball court this fall, where she has emerged as one of the more dependable spikers, flopping between middle blocker and center back.
After picking up the game in sixth grade, she’s in her second year of playing on a team.
Smith’s passion for the sport was reinforced by a camp she attended in Oak Harbor that was run by Western Washington University.
“The thing I really enjoy about volleyball is that you have to work as a team if you want to win,” she said. “There can’t be one person that does all the work, it just won’t happen that way.
“The adrenaline rush is definitely my favorite though,” Smith added. “The feeling you get when you’re swinging at the ball is just so, so perfect…”
Smith, who has also competed in track for CMS and played volleyball with the Whidbey Fury, knows she’s a work in progress and wants to continue fine-tuning her rapidly-developing skills.
“Overall I’d say I’m pretty good on the net, and I’ve gotten some pretty good digs,” Smith said. “My serving has gotten 10 times better since last year, considering I couldn’t even serve overhand.
“I really want to work on passing, and even though I’m pretty good, I want to get better at hitting,” she added. “I think my goal is to get better at the sport overall. As a team, we all want to see more wins as we get better and more trusting towards each other.”
The deep friendships she has developed with many of her teammates makes the sport that much more fun.
“There are a few people who have made me who I am, starting with the people I’ve been with all through school — Maddy Hilkey, Ashley Menges, Lindsey Roberts, Sarah Wright and the new girl that instantly became my friend, Ashlie Shank,” Smith said.
Smith looks to family for guidance and high-level players for inspiration.
“My parents have made a huge impact,” she said. “Helping me by encouraging me to do my best and keep practicing even if I’m not in the mood.
“I also have some idols on the UW volleyball team, like Cassie Strickland,” Smith added. “Her services are so amazing and she has really good digs; my goal is to get as good as her.”
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