Emily Graham '20 Recruiting Profile

I was adopted from China when I was 10 months old and have grown up in Pittsburgh, PA ever since. Being enrolled in a small suburban catholic middle school I always felt slightly out of place because I was the only Asian girl and adoptee in my school. I grew up enrolled in dance and basketball which I was always forced to attend by my parents because I never felt a real connection with those sports. I discovered volleyball in fifth grade and immediately fell in love with the sport. I fell in love with the competition, the team work, and the inclusivity. Volleyball made me feel apart of something special and I felt like I wasn't out of place. I may not always be motivated to go to practice, but I could never imagine myself being apart of a different community that includes endless love and support from the players and coaches. 

I want to pursue volleyball collegiately so I can continue the sport I love and grew up playing. From volleyball I have learned to make friends and be more outgoing, communicate on and off the court, and to set goals and strive to achieve them.