Fossil Ridge High School junior Emery Johnson has not only succeeded in her academics but also on the volleyball court, securing a Division 1 scholarship to the University of Wyoming. 

“I started playing volleyball, just practicing in the backyard with my mom, probably when I was probably when I was about four or five years old,” Johnson said. “But then I started playing like organized rec when I was in fifth grade, and my first year of club was when I was in sixth grade.” 

Johnson said her love for the sport came from her mom. She grew up watching college games and dreamed of playing college volleyball. 

“I started playing volleyball because my mom played in college, and just it’s always been a part of my family, whether it’s watching it on TV or going to games at her old college, and then I just loved it ever since. And then playing it has been a fun bonding opportunity for me and her, and then my younger sister now too,” Johnson said. 

Although her love for the sport is important, her academic achievements are just as noticeable, earning a GPA above 4.0. 

“I do definitely take a lot of pride in my grades and work. I work just as hard in the classroom as I do on the court. There’s not a big difference between effort there,” said Johnson, who plans to pursue a business degree at the University of Wyoming, and follow after her parents in the real estate business.  

Fossil Varsity Volleyball Coach Kayla Afoa called Johnson a good person and a positive addition to the team. 

“[She] has probably the hardest work ethic that I’ve seen in a while, and she’s just a competitor and a go getter, and she just really wants to win, but does it the right way by including her teammates and encouraging them to do well,” Afoa said.