Emily Starling '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Emily Starling, I am a junior at George School in PA. I am a second year junior due to reclassing after the 2021-2022 academic year. Team sports have always played a major role in my life. I started playing soccer at 4 years old and volleyball when I started middle school. My dad was my first coach, he was the one who taught me that you don’t always have to be the best player on the team, but that I should try to be the best player FOR the team. I’ve taken this advice to heart both on and off the court. As team captain, I try to lead by example, always showing up early and staying late, and doing my best to ensure a healthy team culture. 

I would describe myself as a utility player, someone who you can throw into whatever position the team needs. I started out as an all round outside hitter and then became a setter when I transferred to George School and even played S/OPP and all round middle blocker for my club team. After setting and hitting for GS I started my transition to a defensive specialist. Leading the team in digs and serve receive, I am looking to focus on my defensive game.

The main aspect I am looking for in a college/university is a community that supports female student athletes. I spent 7 years in South Korea advocating for my right to play sports in a predominantly male sports environment. As a result, any school I am interested in must have a strong foundation for support of women's sports. As vice president and cofounder of the Women's Empowerment Group at George School, equity is very important to me. All in all, I am looking for a supportive environment with room for me to grow, both in volleyball, in the classroom, and as a young adult.