All Eyes on Emmerson: New No. 1 in Arkansas Rankings

There's a new name at the top of the list and she's not slowing down anytime soon. Emmerson has officially claimed the No. 1 spot in the Arkansas rankings, and she's turning heads with her explosive play and undeniable presence on the court. We caught up with the rising athlete in a Q&A to talk about her journey, mindset, and what's next as she embraces the spotlight.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ice Breakers</h2>   Favorite Color? “Yellow.”   Favorite Restaurant? “Raising Canes Chicken Fingers.”   Favorite Hobby? “My favorite hobby besides volleyball is hanging out with friends and family!”   Favorite Memory, outside of volleyball? “…my favorite HS memory is being on Colors Day Court my sophomore year.”   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Personal</h2>   Can you tell us when and how you first fell in love with volleyball?   ”I first fell in love with volleyball when I started playing in 8th grade for my middle school team! I walked into the gym and never played before, but as I learned more about the game, I fell more and more in love with it.”   Who has been the biggest influence on your volleyball journey so far?   ”The biggest influence on my volleyball journey has been my mom, who has always pushed me to work harder and never give up, regardless of setbacks.”   What does a typical day in your life look during season, either club or school?   ”During club season, a typical day for me starts with eating breakfast and heading to school. I go to school until 1:15, which is when I get out and head to off-season volleyball practice. After off season practice, I usually go home and get a quick snack before either heading to the gym or to jump training with the sports performance program at Bridges Therapy Group. Then, depending on the day of the week, I will have a 2-hour club practice. After that I will come home, eat some dinner, do any homework I have, and go to sleep so I can do it all over again the next day.”   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Training & Development</h2>   What is one part of your game you've worked the hardest to improve?   “The part of the game I have worked the hardest to improve is my serve receive.”   How do you stay motivated during long practices or tough training days?   ”What keeps me motivated when training or practicing is my end goal. I want to play D1 volleyball in college more than anything, so when I am struggling with something, I just remember working through it will only make me a better player and (hopefully) help me achieve my end goal!”   Do you have any pregame rituals or routines that get you in the zone?   “My pregame rituals consist of music and visualization. It sounds ridiculous, but before games I walk myself through how the whole day will go. From warm ups to the last serve of the day, I envision the game in my head and prepare myself. I also always listen to the same song when walking into the gym as well.”   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mindset & Mental Game</h2>   How do you handle the pressure of being ranked No. 1 in your class?   “I handle this pressure by reminding myself that I earned this position, so if I earned it, I can surely keep it! I remind myself of how hard I work, and how I will continue to work hard so I can keep the #1 spot. While it is a bit of pressure, all it does is push me to work harder and continue to get better and better!”   What helps you stay mentally focused during high stakes moments on the court?   ”When the pressure is on and the stakes are high in a game, I tell myself that I want the ball. I don't want to shy away from it or get too nervous, so instead I say “serve me the ball” or “set me the ball” because I believe having confidence in your abilities is game changing!”   Is there a quote or mantra you live by as an athlete?   ”Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. - Tim Notke   “..best quote ever!!..”   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future & Goals</h2>   What are your short-term goals for the season or upcoming tournaments?   ”My goal for the upcoming tournaments is to get a bid to nationals. Currently, I am hurt with a foot tumor so I am not playing at this moment. However, I hope to heal up quick and be back super soon so I can play and help my team hopefully qualify for nationals!”   Looking ahead, what are your college or long-term volleyball dreams?   ”My long-term volleyball dream is to play Division 1 volleyball at the next level of play..”   If you could give advice to younger athletes, chasing big goals, what would you say?   ”I would say don't let starting later than others give you an excuse. I started volleyball 2 years ago, but everyday since then I have grinded out and worked hard to get to where I am today. If you put your head down, ignore distractions, and work as hard as you can I PROMISE all the young athletes out there good will come of it!”   Your high school is coming off a successful season last year, how do you plan to continue that success into this upcoming season?   ”Since we graduated so many seniors, this high school season is surely going to be much different than the last. However, I don't think this will stop our program from going far this year. I plan to continue next years success and legacy by taking leadership of the team and always keeping the team morale and energy high. Energy is such a game changer in the game of volleyball, so if I can bring the energy to the court, I believe it will help my team tremendously!”   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fun and Personality </h2>   Who is your favorite volleyball player to watch and why?   ”My favorite volleyball player to watch is Charitie Luper. I love watching her for her fierce attitude and edge she has when playing. I also love how she is not the tallest hitter out there, but she makes up for it with her incredible vertical and athleticism!”   What is your go to hype song before a big match?   “My go to hype song is One Call by Rich Amiri. I listen to it before every volleyball game I play!”   If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport or hobby would you be doing instead?   ”If I didn't play volleyball, I believe I would still be playing basketball. This is my first year not playing basketball because I really wanted to focus in on volleyball. It has been good for me to just be playing one sport, but I truly do miss basketball lots!”   We all know that we can tie volleyball into our identity, so without volleyball who is [player_tooltip player_id='569597' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf']?   “Without volleyball, I find my identity in Christ. Volleyball is a temporary thing, and due to injury or other reasons, will not last forever. God, however, is eternal. He is our savior and he died for us so WE could live an eternal life even though we don't deserve it at all. He deserves all the love, praise, and glory!!!”   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Thank you to Emmerson for taking the time to share your story, goals, and insight with us. We're excited to watch her continue to rise and represent Arkansas volleyball at the highest level!   As the school season approaches, we're pushing forward with our mission to elevate Arkansas High School Volleyball and showcase its talent on the national stage. – Hannah Watkins (@prepdighannah)

There's a new name at the top of the list and she's not slowing down anytime soon. Emmerson has officially claimed the No. 1 spot in the Arkansas rankings, and she's turning heads with her explosive play and undeniable presence on the court. We caught up with the rising athlete in a Q&A to talk about her journey, mindset, and what's next as she embraces the spotlight.