Since September 2019, the NCDA has been recognizing rookie players that make a statement on the court through their skills, leadership, and ability to mobilize a team. For the first time in NCDA history, there is a Women’s league and with comes another opportunity to recognize the women in the league for their accomplishments and stellar play. Our Women’s Rookie of the Month goes to Abby Emery of the University of Akron. She has improved considerably as the season has gone on and will continue to be an asset for her team going forward. Ethan Lehmkuhl (Ohio State) took some time to interview this exceptionally talented player. Take a look at the interview below:
Ethan Lehmkuhl: What made you choose Akron? What do you study?
Abby Emery: I chose Akron because I loved the campus and they have a lot of opportunities for engineering majors. I am studying biomedical engineering.
EL: How did you find out about the dodgeball club and who/what made you want to join the team?
AE: I found out about the dodgeball team at the club fair they had at the beginning of the semester. I played a lot of sports in high school and I wanted to do something at Akron too. Dodgeball just sounded like something new and fun.
EL: What sports did you play in high school? Did any of those sports help you become a better dodgeball player?
AE: I played golf, basketball, and lacrosse in high school. I think basketball and lacrosse helped me develop semi-quick reflexes which are helpful in dodgeball.
EL: As a rookie, it can be intimidating to make new connections in the league. Do you have anyone from opposing teams that you are friends/ rivals with?
AE: I don’t think I’ve been playing in the league long enough to meet people from other teams yet, but I’ve gotten to know Kathryn Mays who played at OSU, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to play with her at practice and in the women’s tournament at Ohio University.
EL: Which team has been your favorite to play against so far this year? Why?
AE: My favorite team to play so far this year has been Kent State because when our B team played them it was a competitive game and I haven’t got to be a part of many of those yet so it was a lot of fun.
EL: Which players and/or coaches have played the biggest role in your development so far?
AE: I’ve learned a lot already from several players at Akron. My biggest role models have been the other girls on the team: Alexis, Nicole, Emily, and Zoe. They’ve all taught me a lot about dodgeball and have been very welcoming. I’ve also learned a lot from several other Akron players and our coach, Adam.
EL: Do you have any pregame songs that you listen to or any other rituals you do before tournaments?
AE: I usually ride to most of the tournaments with the other dodgettes so their music is my pregame music, but I love the music they play so it does the trick.
EL: When you get a jersey what number would you wear? Why?
AE: When I get a jersey I’d like to have the number 4 because it was the number I wore for most of my sports growing up.
EL: What are your thoughts on the no-sting games? Do you like them better than the classic pinch games?
AE: I think the no-sting games are cool because smaller teams can play each other and I like getting to play in the women’s matches. I think I like the classic pinch games more though so I hope one day the women’s matches can be played as classic pinch games.
EL: Any bold predictions for the second semester this year? Maybe for ODC or Nationals?
AE: I honestly don’t have any predictions for the second semester. The Zips finished the first semester strong and I hope we can carry that into the second semester and into Nationals as well.