Aiming to make an impact

Emma Elliott is an 18-year-old Grade 12 student at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé.

“School is going well. I’ve focused a lot on my studies this year,” she said. “My favourite class is biology. I find it very interesting and challenging.”

Emma is a multi-sport athlete, who competes for her school in cross-country, flag football, and ultimate frisbee. Her favourite sport, however, has to be basketball.

“I just love competing and I love how fast the game is,” said the 5-9 guard. “I really like how many ways you can impact the game as a player on the court.”

Although she played hockey as a youngster, Emma tried basketball in middle school and hasn’t looked back. She has played on the 15U and 17U provincial teams, was voted the No. 4 player in varsity basketball in a recent Free Press coaches’ poll and was selected by her peers to receive the player’s choice award at last month’s Manitoba High Schools’ Athletic Association AAAA varsity girls championship tournament.

“Outside the court, I love the basketball community,” Emma said. “I’ve met so many good people and made so many good friends throughout the years. It makes the game a lot more fun when I’m playing it with the people who I am close with.”

Emma said she enjoys playing guard, where she can influence the flow of a game.

“I like to push the pace in transition and set myself, and my teammates, up for shots,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have always had good coaching throughout my years of playing. For my high school basketball years, Sonia Radi and Megan Johnson have been amazing. They have always been there for me on and off the court and have been my No. 1 supporters. They have helped me improve my game in many different ways and have played very important roles to help me get to the level I am at today.”

That level will see Emma compete on the USports stage, as she committed in February to play for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen next season.

“My ultimate goal is to be able to make a big impact in university basketball,” she said.

Emma lives in St. Vital with her mom Michelle, dad Eden, and brother Noah.

“My parents have always been my biggest supporters ever since I started playing basketball. They are both people I look up to as they are both very hard workers,” she said. “I appreciate everything they do for me and all the opportunities they have given me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and their support.”

Emma has this advice to share with other athletes:

“Always play with grit and be a good teammate. Make sure those things don’t get overlooked.”