ALA lost a tough three way tiebreaker on Day 1, but that didn’t slow them down on Saturday as they battled their way to a consolation finals victory. Going 2-0 on Saturday, Emma was a big reason for the Eagles’ success with her all around impact at the net and from the service line. Emma has the build of a true middle blocker, standing well over 6 feet with long arms that allow her to get well over the net and take away a lot of space from opposing hitters. She does a good job handling opposing middles one on one and uses her length to create problems for hitters at the net. Offensively, she has a nice variety to her attack and can run multiple different shots and tempos to find ways to score. Her serving was another major asset, as she recorded several aces while consistently putting pressure on opposing passers and forcing them to make tough plays. Emma’s all around play made it real easy for ALA GN to go 2-0 on day 2, and she was a standout for not only them, but for the tournament as well.

Emma Howard Emma Howard 6'1" | MB ALA-Gilbert North | 2029 State AZ is making her presence known in a big way during her debut season for ALA Gilbert North. As a freshman, she’s already established herself as a major force at the net, currently tied for second in the state among all freshmen with 39 blocks. Offensively, she’s just shy of hitting the 100-kill mark for the season, boasting an impressive .320 hitting percentage. Her ability to execute quick transitions and terminate plays through the middle makes her a constant threat and a vital piece of ALA Gilbert North’s offense.

One of Emma’s most memorable performances came in late September during a high-stakes matchup against defending 4A state champions, Estrella Foothills. In that intense five-set battle, Emma rose to the occasion with six clutch kills while hitting over .300 for the match, playing a key role in helping her team secure a hard-fought victory.

With her blend of athleticism, high volleyball IQ, and poise under pressure, Emma Howard Emma Howard 6'1" | MB ALA-Gilbert North | 2029 State AZ is just getting started.