By Derrick Smith

Athletes have role models that they look up to that help shape who they are. The person or people that they choose to look up to are normally someone that they have something in common with, such as play the same sport, have the same work ethic, or things like that. As a female athlete, Emily McConnell is proud of all the women that have influenced her life.

“I am surrounded by kind, intelligent, and hardworking women,” she said. “And I look up to all of them. My mom, grandma Merri, and my two older sisters have all been role models for me. Also, I have always admired Lauren Chamberlain, and I am inspired by Odicci Alexander.”

McConnell is a junior at Perry High School, where she plays pitcher and utility for the softball team. Emily is entering her twelfth season of softball, so she is no stranger to the game. 

There is another person that has made a difference in her life and that is Emily’s softball coach. 

“Coach Dwyer has taught me a lot,” she said. “He taught me that hard work and perseverance pays off.”

Helping her become the player she is today has been all the work that McConell has put in over the years. 

“I feel like being coachable has been a big part of what has helped me,” she said. “Also, having great teammates is very important to being successful. Putting in extra work does not hurt either.”

Throughout her career, Emily has made some great memories with her teammates on and off the field. But she says that her favorite memory is one that took place on the field.

“I hit a grand slam during my sophomore season,” she said. “It was a really awesome accomplishment and something I will never forget.”

Outside of athletics, McConnell is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA). She also has her sights set on her post high school career. 

“My dream is to play softball at the collegiate level,” she said. “While doing that, I want to work to obtain my DDS, specializing in orthodontics.