Above: Martin County West’s Emily Anderson was named the 2024 All-Sentinel Volleyball Player of the Year on Saturday.
SHERBURN – Having spent most of her life around the sport of volleyball, it’s no surprise Martin County West High School’s Emily Anderson was able to achieve great results in 2024.
Anderson, who finished her senior season with 297 kills, 366 digs, 24 assists, a 95.7% service percentage and 27 aces, recently earned a spot on the All-Sentinel Volleyball team as well as the All-Volley Tomahawk Valley Conference. did. volleyball team. However, she added another feather to her cap by being named the 2024 All-Sentinel Volleyball Player of the Year to cap off her final year of volleyball with the Mavericks.
Anderson became interested in volleyball at an early age as multiple members of her family participated in the sport.
“My mom always played volleyball…I kind of knew I would play volleyball too.” said Anderson. “Then my older cousin played volleyball in college, so I grew up watching her play and kind of followed in my family’s footsteps.”
The challenge of playing at a high level was never an issue for Anderson, who began his varsity career in eighth grade.
“Every year is different because obviously you get to play with new girls every year…but especially when I was younger, it’s just a chance to learn from new people.”I was playing , I was in 8th grade playing with the seniors, I mean, it can be scary, but it’s just like a learning opportunity, and that’s why as I grow up I’m playing with the older guys. It’s kind of a way I’ve grown my game while respecting them.”
Reflecting on finishing her final year of volleyball with the Mavericks at 16-10 and reaching the Section 2A quarterfinals, Anderson cited her love for the team chemistry during the season and wouldn’t change a thing about the team she played with. He said it would be. this year.
“This final season was really, really fun.” said Anderson. “I really enjoyed the bonding between the whole team. There was never a moment where we were fighting, as I think is often the case in volleyball where there’s always drama, but with this team we never had that.” . We all had very good chemistry and we all worked together. It was always a lot of fun. And we kind of knew it… in the first game we were all happy. It was.”
MCW head coach Kayla Zemes fostered Anderson’s love for the game as the years went on, keeping practices fun and intense and developing her players into the best they can be.
“There’s never a dull moment in the gym with her.” said Anderson. “Of course, we always work hard and we always have fun when we’re working with her (Seames). For example, we do crazy drills. And we always have fun. She works hard at the gym, but she’s great at doing both at the same time, always making sure everyone is working hard, but also keeping it light in the gym and making sure we’re having fun. It’s like checking.”
Anderson happens to be a dual-sport athlete and leaves to play basketball at River Falls. After two visits, the first for volleyball, and meeting the basketball team and coach on her second visit made her decision easier.
“Actually, I wanted to go to River Falls.” said Anderson. “When I got to campus, I just knew that this was where I wanted to be. The first time I came to River Falls was actually for volleyball, but I had a gut feeling that I wanted to play basketball. But once I met the coaches and players, everything clicked and I knew this was what I wanted to do.”
Anderson is looking forward to continuing her education by pursuing a degree in elementary education.
