Community Christian School senior Emma Rogers has spent her volleyball career learning to bounce back — a lesson she credits to her father’s advice.
Rogers, a libero on the Community Christian varsity squad, says the position suits her instincts for reading the court and keeping the ball alive. Her career highlight came during her junior season. “Winning state my junior year is my favorite memory as a volleyball player,” Rogers said.
That championship run, though, is only part of what she says the sport has given her. Volleyball has shaped how she handles pressure both on and off the court. “Sports have taught me how to deal with conflict whether it’s with teammates or struggling in a tough game, it’s helped me tremendously on patience and how to handle it maturely,” Rogers said.
Much of that growth, she says, came from watching the players who came before her. The seniors on last year’s team set a standard she has tried to carry into her own final season. “All of the seniors from last year left an impression on me because they showed me what being a leader looks like and they pushed me to be the best I can,” Rogers said.
Rogers also points to her parents as a steady source of motivation throughout her athletic career. “My parents inspire me because of how they push me and always making sure I know they are proud of me,” Rogers said.
Perhaps no lesson has stuck with her more than one from her father, who taught her not to dwell on errors during matches. “The best advice I’ve been given was my dad when he told me I needed to have the memory of a goldfish so that I could forget my mistakes faster,” Rogers said.
Outside the gym, Rogers counts Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Bell among her favorite teachers. As her senior season continues, she credits the coaching staff for shaping her both as a player and as a person. “I want to thank Coach Maynes, Coach Lindley and Coach Jacy for helping me be a better person and volleyball player!” Rogers said.
