Libertyville's Fisher likes the fit at Maryland
Truly, it's a win-win combination.
That's what Emily Fisher had in mind with her decision and commitment to play college basketball at the University of Maryland.
The Libertyville junior made her decision on Monday and she's the first to make that commitment in the 2023 class for the Terrapins.
"When I was going there for my visit, I didn't know much about the school," Fisher said. "I just knew they like to win all the time and that's the one thing everyone wants to do. When I got there during my visit, I just loved everything about it. The coaches were amazing, the players were amazing, the facilities were amazing and they were all about winning, which I'm pretty much in for. It was just a really good family culture there. I just felt like, I could fit in easily when I get there."
Fisher is the second Lake County player in the last month to commit to a Big Ten school. Jordan Wood of Carmel Catholic made a commitment to Michigan State.
The process of making the decision for Fisher took some time and was a bit intense. Fisher noted 20 colleges that made offers for her to play basketball, which included several schools in the Big Ten.
"Originally, when I was was talking to everybody before September 1," Fisher said. "My dad (Jeremy), my coaches (Greg Pederson, Chris Kipley), and my assistant coaches all have helped me through it much of the time. If they were not there, I would've been so overwhelmed throughout the process. I just got to know everybody. I figured out where I could see myself playing."
Maryland has been successful in the Big Ten, winning the title in 6 of the last 7 years.
"Another key factor in all of this was the style of play," Fisher said. "It just fit in very well with Maryland, even though there were some other schools that were top contenders."
Over the last couple of years with the pandemic, the recruitment process was very different from what was expected.
"During the pandemic it was pretty chaotic at the beginning," Fisher said. "Everybody was adapting, not being able to watch players and see for themselves. You were being watched by film and basically going through a lot of calls from what you normally do in person. It was definitely different from what we were used to doing. "
Fisher wants to get into psychology and wants be a Sports Psychologist. She has some thoughts of a WNBA career.
"It definitely is a possibility. That depends on how my experience in college goes and what I want past college," Fisher said. "I do want to go into Sports Psychology or start a business. It's always been in the back of my head. I think I could be capable considering the path I'm going on now."
Fisher, who helped lead Libertyville to a North Suburban Conference championship as a sophomore, was the conference player of the year last season and was on the Class 4A All-State Team. She averaged 15.5 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2 blocks.
"Maryland is getting a player who does whatever it takes to win," Libertyville coach Greg Pedersen said. "Of course, Emily is immensely talented. She's so strong and just exceptional around the basket. Best finisher I've seen at this level. What I like best about Emily is her desire to win. She does what it takes including the dirty work. The spirit and passion she plays with is visible and her team feels it and feeds off it."