Saxons' Young commits to Southern Cal
Emily Young will be taking her volleyball talents to the west coast.
Her uniform colors, though, will remain quite similar to the one she currently wears for Schaumburg High School - cardinal red and gold.
Only a junior, the outstanding Schaumburg outside hitter-setter has made a verbal commitment to the University of Southern California.
"After considerable thought and visits to many outstanding universities across the United States, I recently revisited the University of Southern California and knew it was a great fit both academically and athletically for me," said Young, who has been on the A honor roll for every semester of her high school career. "USC offers excellent academic support and mentoring to their athletes."
The Trojans play in the Pac-10, one of the most competitive conferences in the country.
"And they have a great coaching staff that will help me continue to train and improve," Young said. "After spending time with the current players and future recruits I felt secure in my decision."
And there's an extra bonus going to school in sunny California.
"It will also give me the opportunity to explore beach volleyball to see if it is a possibility after college," Young said.
Just as she does on the volleyball court, Young excels in the classroom. The National Honor Society member ranks 14th in her class of 608 with a GPA of 4.6 on a 4.0 scale.
Young earned all-state special mention this fall after setting three single-season school records - serving percentage (297-311, 95.5 percent), service points (178) and kill percentage (539 attempts, .332 average).
A member of the Sports Performance Volleyball Club directed by Rick Butler, Young played on the 16 Elite team, coached by Ping Cao.
She was named the MVP in the Wisconsin Dells Showcase.
Young stays busy outside the classroom, too. She is involved in various service activities: Rachel's Challenge, District 211 Charity Walk, Spikes for Kids, student mentoring, church youth group and she has been employed as a USSF Grade 8 soccer referee since 2005.
"USC offers excellent academic support and mentoring to their athletes," Young added. "After spending time with the current players and future recruits I felt secure in my decision."
Young began playing volleyball in the seventh grade.
"Volleyball appeared to me as my natural fit when I first started playing in seventh grade," she said. "It allowed my enthusiasm and fun to be a part of competition. I am blessed with great parents (Tim and Margaret) and coaches who have encouraged me to work toward my uncapped potential. I know to be great, it takes tens of thousands of hours of practice. I stand at the beginning of that road and am excited to see where it takes me."
This past season, Young led coach Jeanette Pancratz' Saxons in kills, kill efficiency, serve efficiency and set assists.
"Emily loves to play and it shows on the court by her skill and by her presence," Pancratz said. "She demonstrates confidence, enthusiasm, and intensity day in and day out, at practices and in matches. She stems from the belief that nothing is impossible to the willing heart."
Pancratz points to Young's mental and physical toughness, along with her athletic ability and game IQ, as the elements that make her one of the top players in the state.
"She excels in all aspects of the game," the coach added. "She is often recognized for her prowess in the frontcourt and her setting ability, but her back court play is equally masterful."
Pancratz said Young is a coachable player.
One of Young's most impressive traits is her character.
"Her leadership is molded by the highest character," Pancratz said. " She understands the work ethic and positive mental attitude that generates success. She is a true team player working for the success of the entire team and not for personal aggrandizement."
"She celebrates the accomplishments of everyone and appreciates others' successes, including an opponent's. Her unselfishness demonstrates her commitment to the team."
Pancratz calls Young a person of utmost character.
"She is always participating in community service," Pancratz said. "She can constantly and continuously be found helping others on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.
"She has a sense of mission that reaches beyond the present by going beyond simply being the best but going so far as to leave footprints."
Young will have one season to make her impact on Schaumburg volleyball and then it's on to USC.
"I am elated to be a part of the Trojan Family," she said. "USC has strong school traditions and being a Schaumburg Saxon has made me grow to love cardinal red and gold."