We Are Family: The Emerson Girl’s Volleyball team works together to win

Last year, the Emerson girl’s volleyball team set the school's record for single season wins. This year they set the record again. With an ever-improving record, the Lady Lions are moving their way up the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. But what really brings the team together is not glory, but friendship.

Allie Rosenberg is one of the team’s most seasoned players. The junior defensive specialist has been on the Emerson volleyball team for three years. As a co-captain on this year’s team, Rosenberg has high hopes for the future. “Our record this fall was 21-11, which was the best record in Emerson Volleyball history. Through recruiting for next season and the returners we have, I fully expect to win the GNAC championships,” she said.

Last season the team finished third in their conference. The coach of both Emerson’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams, Craig Letourneau, is determined to continue to help the team improve. “This was a better season than the year before. What we’re trying to do is improve our program every year,” Letourneau said.

But the driving force behind last season’s Lady Lions is their close friendships. “The team this year is the closest team I have been on. They are my best friends. I couldn’t have asked for better group of girls,” Rosenberg said. For Rosenberg, the only four-season senior on next year’s team, volleyball is an integral part of college life.

“I moved in early my freshman year for pre-season, made my friends through the team and so on. If I wasn't playing volleyball I would have an entirely different outlook on Emerson, I would have different friends and different memories. I am glad I played sports here though, because I think it made that transition from high school to college that much easier because I was involved in something from day one,” Rosenberg said.

Coach Letourneau agrees. “I think they’re a family. They’re a very close knit group. As a group they all get along tremendously well,” he said. He credits each girl’s ability to work together for the team’s success. “Allie has a great work ethic. She’s a leader. She has a great demeanor with her teammates, and she’s worked hard to get where she’s at,” Letourneau said.

The Emerson girl’s volleyball team has a lot to look forward to in the seasons ahead. “Definitely we want to focus on consistency. I don’t think we’re always an offensive team. Before that, we’re going to work on strength and conditioning and mental toughness,” Letourneau said. With the hope of breaking yet another single-season win record, the Lady Lions need to stay together-- both on and off the court.