BY MURRAY GLEFFE
CORRESPONDENT
Name: Emily Lange
Parents: Kim and Dave Lange
Activity: Volleyball
Twitter: @emilylangeee
Emily was a key component on a 30-8 Jaguars volleyball team that won conference and advanced to the sectionals. A majority of her 33 kills and 13 blocks were down the stretch and contributed to the team’s success.
What was it like to be a leader on the volleyball team at Ashwaubenon High School? “Being a leader on this team was very rewarding. As a senior on the team, I tried my best to be there for everyone, not only varsity, but also the underclassmen. I like to lead by example to show all of the teams how much fun this sport was to play.”
How many years have you been involved in volleyball? “I have been playing for six years now. I started when I was in the seventh grade.”
What is your most embarrassing moment ever in volleyball? “My most embarrassing moment was probably last year during my club season. We played in Chicago for our last tournament of the season and in one of our games, the other outside hitter across the net hit hard cross right at me and I couldn’t get my hands up in time, so the ball hit me directly in the face. The ball ended up going back over the net and we got the point. Everyone on my team was laughing and I was, too.”
What’s the hardest part about performing in a volleyball game? “I think the hardest part was the mental aspect of the game. You have to be able to learn from your mistakes and not let it get you down when playing. You need to be focused and only worry about your own game.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? “I can’t think of anybody specific, but I would want to be someone that traveled for their job. I love visiting new places and seeing how different cultures are. Traveling is definitely my favorite thing to do, and I take any opportunity to go to different states and countries.”
What is your most memorable moment? “My most memorable moment was just recently when we won our game against Manitowoc to become conference champions. The game started off a little rough, but at the end of the game, our team was playing incredible volleyball and it was so exciting. Everyone on the bench and in the stands was cheering so loud and our team really came together as one to defeat them. We haven’t won the conference in 25 years, so that was a huge win for us!”
What is your sports routine before a big game starts? “I don’t personally have a sports routine, but as a team, we all went into the locker room and listened to music to get us pumped up. It got me super excited and ready to play.”
Do you have a nickname or something a teammate calls you during a game? “My teammates and coaches called me Lange or Em Lange.”
What is one thing that other teammates or coaches don’t know about you? “Most of my teammates and coaches don’t know that I did gymnastics for eight years prior to joining volleyball.”
Winning individual honors or a big team win? “A big team win for sure. A win is always so exciting and makes all of the time and hard work put in at practice worth it.”
What are your college aspirations? “My plans are to attend UW-La Crosse and pursue my dream of being a physical therapist.”
What are your hobbies? “I love hanging out with friends, traveling and going up north to my cabin.”
What is your favorite event ever attended? “My favorite event was probably performing in the IGI Chicago Style gymnastics meets at the Navy Pier. It is the largest women’s artistic gymnastics competition in the world. It was always my favorite meet to go to because not only was it fun to compete and watch other amazing gymnasts, but also to explore the city with my best friends on the team.”
What is your favorite type of music? “I like all types of music, but hip-hop and country are probably my favorite.”
What is your favorite thing to do on your phone? “I mainly use my phone for social media and listening to music.”
What three words describe you? “Easygoing, adventurous, caring.”
What is your favorite trip ever taken? “When I went to Alaska with my family two summers ago. We drove around for a week and visited Denali National Park, went in hot springs and hiked a lot. Then we went on a cruise for a week and it was a really fun and different experience. I loved being in the outdoors and having a stress-free trip.”
TV or outdoor activities? “Outdoor activities.”
Beach volleyball or indoor volleyball? “Indoor volleyball.”
Would you rather have rally scoring or win a point only on your serve like in the past? “Rally scoring.”
Service ace, great block, dig or kill? “Great block.”
Good speed around the court or height? “Good speed around the court.”
Favorites
Food: Blueberries
Subject: Math
Color: Blue
TV Show: “Criminal Minds”
Athlete: Kerri Walsh Jennings
Board Game: Sorry
Candy: Twix
Ice Cream: Cookie dough
Holiday: Halloween
Season: Summer