Tingxuan Lu
Emma Dixon, sophomore setter, practices setting Monday in the William Allen White Auditorium. Dixon started playing volleyball at the YMCA in Wichita, Kansas.
Emma Dixon, sophomore accounting major, started from humble beginnings at a local YMCA and homeschool volleyball league out of Wichita. She was recruited to Emporia State and became a right side hitter and setter for the Lady Hornets and works hard to contribute to her team.
“She is a great team player,” said Bing Xu, head volleyball coach. “Emma brings a lot of energy and passion to the court. She always gives 100 percent to the team.”
Dixon began her volleyball career at the local YMCA in her hometown of Wichita.
After 18 months of playing there, her mom was introduced to a local homeschool league and she began playing at that level.
However, Dixon was only playing three months out of the year. Hungry for competition and to learn more, she joined a club volleyball team to take her skills to the next level.
Little did she know that she would soon play collegiate volleyball for the Lady Hornets. She was scouted at a club volleyball game by Xu to set and play right side.
“Volleyball was a huge part of my decision to choose Emporia State, I was happy with the distance from home,” Dixon said. “They have an excellent business department also. It (Emporia) was the only option.”
Since playing for the Lady Hornets, Dixon has made a large impact on her team, not only in statistics but also with her teammates and coaches.
“She brings energy, power and passion to the team,” said Yuchen Du, freshman setter and right hitter for the Hornets. “Her positive attitude affects the team a lot.”
Bringing the passion she has to the court, Dixon has found her place on the team.
“I feel like with us being young, being able to play my sophomore year, I can bring in some experience that some of the freshman might not yet have,” Dixon said. “I try to bring a relaxed attitude when I am on the court.”