Emmerson Kirk '26 Recruiting Profile

I have been in love with the game of basketball for as long as I can remember. At a very young age, I remember watching my cousins play and contribute to very successful high school teams. Every one of them was so gifted athletically - the moves they could make on the court simply amazed me. More than that, it was obvious they were leaders among their teammates. I also had the privilege of growing up with a mom who played college basketball, took me to her practices as a coach and passed her passion for the game onto me.

I have not pigeon-holed myself as just a basketball player though. As a four sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, softball and track thus far in high school, I have learned many lessons about myself - both athletically, competitively and academically. I have an incredibly strong desire to perform at my highest level each and every day and I want the same from those around me. Even though I have been the youngest starter on many of my varsity teams, my coaches have given me leadership roles and responsibilities because I truly want to make everyone around me better. I am fiercely competitive, always show up, both physically  and mentally, am confident in my ability and determined to do my part to achieve team success. The overall success of the team is always more important to me than any personal accolades! I have received numerous all-league and all state honors in volleyball, basketball and softball but I would trade them all for a championship. I love the camaraderie within the team and the fact that we have to depend on and work with each other to be successful. As I grow and mature, I am learning to control my emotions and outward expressions on the court. Composure is such an important part of success and legacy and I want mine to be a positive attribute to myself, my family and my team.

My future plans are to continue honing my skills as an athlete and a basketball player and lead my high school teams to the highest level of success possible. I am equally as competitive in the classroom and fully intend to graduate with honors in both high school and college. My goal and dream is to become a college basketball coach. Therefore, I will be looking through the recruiting process to find a program that affords me the opportunity to transition from playing basketball into a graduate assistant.