Athletes work hard so that they can achieve the goals that they have set for themselves. While some goals may be easier to achieve than others, it still takes work in order to accomplish them. Emily Parsons has put in the work and reached one of the goals she set for herself.

“I have dreamed of playing softball at the collegiate level,” Parsons said. “I have committed to play softball at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville, Missouri. Knowing that I get to continue playing my sport at the next level motivates me to get better every day.”

A senior at Mulhall-Orlando High School, Emily plays softball and basketball for the Lady Panthers. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the student council.

Throughout her life, there have been a number of people who have been influential in her life. But she has one person that has had the biggest impact on her.

“Someone that I appreciate the most is my eight year old brother, Easton,” she said. “Knowing that he won’t ever be able to do some of the things that I can reminds me not to take anything for granted. On social media, I follow a lot of families with children who have disabilities and are advocating for them. With my brother having autism it means a lot to see people taking the time to talk and teach these things on the internet.”

The athlete that Parsons has become did not happen without hard work. But she says that it takes more than just working.

“Being successful also takes determination,” she stated. “You also have to realize that failure is part of the game.”

Joline Oldenburg is the head girls basketball coach at Mulhall-Orlando and says that Emily does a great job of excelling at whatever sport she plays.

“Emily has shouldered the responsibility of running point for several years,” Oldenburg said. “She led our team in offense last year averaging 12.6 points per game last season and she is a two sport athlete and has already committed to play college ball next year.”

When she and her teammates step out to play, Parsons is ready to compete against whoever is on the other side. But she says that there is one school she likes to go up against the most.

“We will play whoever is on the schedule,” she said. “But my favorite team to go up against is Coyle. They are the closest school to us and I have some good friends from there.”

As a student in the classroom, Emily has learned from multiple teachers, but she has one that is her favorite.

“The teacher I appreciate the most is my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Kindschi,” she said. “She stands up for what she thinks and cares for all of her students.”