Emilie Wilkenson '19 Recruiting Profile

My name is Emilie Wilkenson, and I strive to become a professional volleyball player. Primarily, I am a middle blocker and right side hitter at Central Gwinnett High School and The Atlanta Extreme Volleyball Club 17s National Team. Whenever I enter the gym for a practice or the court for a tournament, volleyball puts me in the best mindset. Playing college volleyball has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I know that my hard work and dedication will turn my dream into a reality.

I have been playing volleyball for 3 years. Compared to other players, that doesn’t seem like a very long time, but to me it feels like I’ve been playing my whole life. At the age of ten, I attended my first open gym with Atlanta Boom Volleyball Club. I fell in love with the sport the minute I passed my first ball. Unfortunately, that session would be my last for a very long time due to my family financial issues. In my sophomore year, my family was finally in a comfortable enough position to allow me to join the Central Gwinnett (my high school) volleyball team. When the season nearly came to an end, I felt that I wanted to play more. To build more skill and become a better player, I went back to participating in open gyms. I then tried out for my nearest volleyball club, Atlanta Extreme, and was overjoyed when I received the news of me making the team. I have been playing with them ever since.

In AEVC’s mission statement it says, “By instilling Leadership, Sportsmanship and Dedication we create Champions on and off the court.” I truly believe that they do achieve this. By joining this club’s 17 nationals team, I have become the best version of me, as a very coachable and diligent teammate who is able to turn their potential into skill. 

I am now searching for a well rounded college/university with top academics and an amazing volleyball program that will prepare me to be a professional volleyball player and a role model for others. I am also looking for a school that can put my leadership abilities to use and expand on my other talents and gifts: music and medicine. As a passionate volleyball  player, I am eager to bring this sport to the next level as it does for me by putting me in the best mindset.