Senior Emma Bison has played tennis, basketball, and lacrosse at John Carroll.
She has been playing basketball since third grade and lacrosse since first grade. Emma did not start playing tennis competitively until her freshman year. She would take lessons every summer since she was a little kid.
Having to balance playing sports all three seasons of the school year can be challenging at times.
Emma said, “Nights where I have big projects due or a presentation the next day can make late night practices stressful; however, I feel it is worth it.”
Being on a team keeps Emma busy in the best ways, helps her form relationships, and overall helps with lots of aspects of her life.
Emma enjoys all sports equally. Growing up, she would not say that was the case, but each experience at JC for different sports has been great and has influenced her to enjoy them equally.
Out of all three sports, Emma has been playing lacrosse the longest, causing her to become more competitive. Therefore, Emma challenges herself the most in these sports, which makes some practices and even games challenging at times.
Emma’s starting her last season of high school sports is a happy and nostalgic time for her. Emma said, “While I am sad that my high school athletics career is coming to an end, I am happy and grateful for all the years I have been able to participate in the programs.” Emma won’t be going to college for sports. However, she will be attending Villanova University to major in Accounting.
Girls Basketball Coach Jim Stormberg said, “Emma always has a kindness toward others involved in the game.”
Emma would be one of the players returning the basketballs, the clock and water coolers into the storage closet, never complaining why that task was left to her.
Coach Stormberg never saw Emma share a response or action that did not end with a smile, or a word of encouragement. He feels that Emma was impactful being at practices and games each day. Coach Stormberg found Emma easy to coach, always responding in a positive way to critiques.
Girls lacrosse Coach Laura Seifert has seen growth in Emma over the last two years. She has watched Emma overcome adversity on the field with kindness and grace.
Coach Seifert said, “She is the epitome of great teammate, and her leadership by example has been so fun to watch as her coach.”
Coach Seifert’s favorite trait that Emma brought to the team this season was her determination.
Emma leads by example every day and mentors the team with her presence. She feels that Emma helps balance the team with her composure and humor.