After gaining valuable experience as a freshman, Suarez is ready to turn it up as a sophomore. She played in 89 sets last season, finishing with 71 kills, 20 blocks (10 solo), and 32 aces. Look for a big jump in year two.

Emma is a little undersized for a middle, but she makes up for it with great awareness and quickness. Her 10 solo blocks show she isn’t afraid to go at it alone, and she does a good job closing the seam with her pins. She also has the versatility to slide out to the pin if needed, giving Coach Thammarath some flexibility with the lineup. Her added value comes behind the service line, where she recorded 32 aces last season. She has worked hard to increase her hitting percentage, so look for a bigger offensive contribution this fall.

Suarez is joined on the front row by two experienced outsides in Isabel Suarez Isabel Suarez 5'7" | OH/DS/L Siloam Springs | 2027 State AR and Erika Ellis Erika Ellis 5'8" | OH Siloam Springs | 2027 State AR , giving her plenty of help around her. Look for Emma to stay in the middle blocker spot for the foreseeable future and continue to grow into the position.