For senior Emerson “Emmi” Whiting, being the captain of the Glendale High School girls volleyball team is more than just a title. It’s a symbol of trust from her teammates.
After being on the team for all four years of her high school career, this season marks Emmi’s first and only year as captain, a role that means the world to her. Though she’s excited for what the future holds, the reality of her final year with the team is bittersweet.
“This team has been with me through thick and thin,” Emmi shared. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for it.”
Last year, the girls varsity volleyball team made Glendale history by winning a CIF and state title, which was an unforgettable experience for Emmi and her teammates. But with victory came even higher expectations for the new season. The team knew they couldn’t just pick up from where they left off; they had to reset and rebuild from the ground up. Emmi believes that she and her teammates did a great job adjusting and rising to the challenge.
For Emmi, the most memorable part of this season wasn’t just the games, but the time she was able to spend with her teammates. While winning is always exciting, it is the small moments she cherishes the most—every practice, every laugh, and every challenge they faced together.
One of the biggest challenges that Emmi endured as captain was keeping the team’s energy up when they were down in a game. It wasn’t always easy being the one to lift everyone up, but she believes that her teammates handled it incredibly well. In the end, leading them through those moments made the experience even more rewarding for her.
Volleyball has shaped Emmi’s time at GHS in ways she never expected. She met her closest friends through this sport, and it has left a lasting impact on her life, one she can’t imagine being without.
For younger players hoping to follow in her footsteps, Emmi’s advice is simple: show up and don’t give up. There will be tough times, and self-doubt will creep in—just as it has for her—but pushing through and staying committed truly makes a player great.
As her time with GHS volleyball is coming to an end, Emmi is proud of everything that she and her teammates have accomplished. While she may be moving on, the lessons, the friendships and the memories she has made will stay with her forever.
If you would like to join next year’s girls volleyball team, tryouts will most likely be in June! Get served, Nitros!
