Growing up on Mercer Island, Emma never imagined that a middle school summer camp would set the course for her athletic journey. After discovering rowing through a friend, she joined Mount Baker Rowing Club and later Sammamish Rowing Association, where her passion truly took shape. Though Mercer Island doesn’t have its own rowing program, Emma credits her Pacific Northwest beginnings — and the community that raised her — for instilling her drive and discipline.

Originally a rower herself, Emma’s transition to the coxswain seat was a natural one. “I was the stroke seat and found myself nearly coxing the boat anyway,” she laughs. “Plus, being a successful rower usually demands a bit more height than I have!” 

With the encouragement of her coach Lizzie, who now coaches at Boston University, Emma found her voice — literally — as the leader of the boat. “She taught me everything I needed to know about coxing and really believed in me,” Emma says. “Her words, ‘You’re a natural,’ on my very first day coxing still motivate me to this day.”

Now a Division I athlete at the University of Texas, Emma describes life as a Longhorn as both demanding and deeply rewarding. “I may be biased, but I truly think it’s the best team out there,” she says. “We’re a group of insanely motivated girls who genuinely care about each other and enjoy doing the hard work together.” 

Between early morning practices on Lady Bird Lake, strength training sessions, and a full class schedule, Emma’s days are full — but the sense of camaraderie and purpose keeps her grounded. “The prize for winning a workout is getting to do even more meters,” she says with pride. “That’s just the kind of culture we have.”

As a coxswain, Emma’s role extends far beyond steering the boat. “We’re essentially the voice inside the rowers’ heads — the ones keeping everyone on the same page and making sure the boat moves as one,” she explains. It’s a balance of leadership, communication, and calm under pressure — skills that have shaped her far beyond the water. “Coxing teaches you to be adaptable, confident, and composed in high-stress situations,” she says. “Those lessons apply to everything in life.”

One of Emma’s proudest moments came at the 2024 San Diego Crew Classic, when her 2V8 crew found their rhythm and beat the University of Washington. “It was our first race of the season, and it built so much confidence,” she recalls. “We felt proud of not just the win, but the way we raced.”

Though she now calls Austin home, Mercer Island remains close to her heart. “There’s nothing like a morning row on Lake Washington,” she says. “It’s nostalgic — that’s the word that always comes to mind.”

Her advice to young Island athletes? “Adopt the ‘why not me?’ mindset. I never thought I’d be where I am now, but hard work and belief can take you anywhere.”