This summer, we'll be recapping the 2024-25 athletic year at Emmanuel! Next up, the Women's Volleyball team, who finished the season 21-10 overall, 17-1 in conference. Redshirt Junior OH, Ellie Jackson was named the Conference Carolinas Player of the Year, while Head Coach James Friddle was named the Conference Coach of the Year.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Ellie Jackson led the team in kills with 406 on the season, averaging 3.76 kills per set. 
• Asia Queen led the Lions in digs with 463!
• Sami Gambill led the team in assists with 576, 5.38 per set and service aces with 57.
• Cailin Pritchard led the Lions in blocks with 103. 

We caught up with Coach Friddle on what was a record-breaking season for the Lions!

1. What were a few highlights from your season?
   1. Started the season serving the communities in Colombia on a 7day mission trip
   2. The Women's Team earned a 3rd straight AVCA Honor Roll Academic Award for top GPA in D2.
   3. Women's Team won Division Title and Regular Season Title
   4. We had 5 Milestones reached for our players:
      1. Amore Marshall 100 career aces
      2. Asia Queen 1,000 career digs
      3. Emily Hanson 1,000 career kills
      4. Emily Hanson 300 career blocks
      5. Alaina Emminger 1,000 career kills
   5. Alaina Emminger became the All-Time Kills leader 1,268 total kills (record was set in 2018 by Julie DeBlanc (Middle 1,258)
   6. Ellie Jackson was Offensive Player of the Year
   7. Ellie Jackson and Alaina Emminger were both named All-American Honorable mentions and All-Region
   8. 4 Girls made All Conference teams
   9. Valedictorian for the class of 2025 (Jocelyn Martin)
       
2. What were some of the top moments/plays from the past season?
   1. Layla Bland getting an Ace and serving 4 points in row on Senior Night after tearing her ACL/MCL and Meniscus earlier in the season for her final career points.
   2. Alaina Emminger breaking the All-Time kills record during the Conference Semi-finals
   3. Winnings a match in 3-set that took place over two days in Texas vs Ft. Lewis. The match started at 11:30 pm local time and ended after 1:00am. Knowing the team was focused and determined enough to win and play together with unusual obstacles.
       
3. What was your favorite memory of the season?
   1. Preseason trip to Colombia. The team jumped in to serve the community even in the sun on concrete to share the love of volleyball and Jesus. The team was able to use the bond they created on this trip to thrive all season. They lifted each other up and their faith grew exponentially.
   2. Sweeping NGU at NGU. This was the first time beating NGU at their place since 2019.
       
4. Was there a point in the season where things clicked for you as a team?
   1. The team's mission trip really jump started the team's chemistry. From those moments of watching the team serve each other and the communities by glorifying God was a remarkable start. Everyone was connected and this was one of the best team chemistries we've had over the years. Everyone shared testimonies and bonded together, and we constantly played for each other all season for His higher purpose.
       
5. What are you looking forward to next season?
   1. The continued growth of the team. We lost a big senior class last year, but we have a good core group and are bringing in the right group of girls both culturally and talent-wise. I know there may be some growing pains, but I know this team can rise to the occasion as long as we are always looking up and playing for a higher purpose.

Congratulations, Lady Lions on a fantastic season!