FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Emma Jeter, South Putnam

Emma is a senior at South Putnam and participates in two sports, volleyball and track.

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Banner Graphic: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

Emma Jeter: “I say sports have definitely taught me how to be a leader and not a follower, how to be part of a team and how to be confident in myself. You learn a lot on the court and that carries out into the real world. It teaches how to have good character and things like that.”

BG: Talk about each of your sports.

EJ: “I actually started track last year and have played volleyball for four years along with some club ball at Grand Park. I’m a middle blocker for volleyball and throw shot put and discus in track.”

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in sports?

EJ: “I went for a ball during a game but tripped and fell backwards on my back.”

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

EJ: “Usually, we try to go out and eat as a team before the game. After getting here, we usually have a team talk, trying to shake out some nerves before the game. We go in the locker room, talk about what needs to happen during the game, communicate and become one before we go out there.”

BG: The team is playing at Central Elementary to start the year, which isn’t the same as being in the main gym in the high school. How was playing the first game (at Central) and how was the fan support?

EJ: “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. It’s definitely different from the main gym, having everyone on one side, but the support from the fans, our family and the cheer block was awesome to have regardless of where we are playing at.”

BG: Do you have any favorite college/pro sports teams or athletes you follow?

EJ: “I really like watching Nebraska volleyball. That is my favorite sports team by far. You learn a lot watching them play like their team dynamic

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

EJ: “I don’t do a lot of clubs but I do attend a lot of sporting events to support my peers as much as I can.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

EJ: “I really like hanging out with my family. I enjoy going to the park and playing a bit of basketball. I like being outdoors but also enjoy my inside time watching Netflix.”

BG: What are your favorites in movies, TV and music?

EJ: “I really like crime shows. They interest me a lot, stuff like ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘NCIS’ because I want to do criminal law and watching those shows sparks my interest. I also like country music, listening to artists like Zach Bryan and Luke Combs.”

BG: Are you a person that wants to watch TV shows and movies or stream something from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok etc.?

EJ: “I would probably go on social media first to catch up on what has been posted throughout the day then turn to Netflix to watch shows with my family.”

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

EJ: “I would like to go skydiving just to conquer that fear of being up there and just going through with it.”

BG: Speaking of such things, what is your biggest fear?

EJ: “The ocean. I am terrified of the ocean. I will go into it up to my knees but no further. I’m terrified of what could be in it.”

BG: You’ve been placed in charge of making dinner. What’s on the menu?

EJ: “Chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes and rolls. All homemade. Definitely my comfort food.”

BG: Do you have any pets?

EJ: “I have a dog named Findlay.”

BG: If your house were on fire, all living things were already out and you have your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse etc., what is one thing you would go back and get?

EJ: “I’d go for my pillow. I love my pillow have to get that.”

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

EJ: “Energetic. Especially when it comes to volleyball on game day, I’m always hyper and very excited to play the game. Even at other sporting events, I’m super hype, cheering on everyone and most of the time I’m really antsy and ready to go get stuff done.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

EJ: “I went to Las Vegas during spring break of my sophomore year.”

BG: What was your favorite school field trip?

EJ: “We went to the movie theater in Danville to watch ‘Minions’ in middle school.”

BG: How important is support from your family and classmates to your success?

EJ: “Very important. When I’m down on myself, my family and friends are there to pick me up and encourage me to keep going and pursue my goals for the year. It’s important for them to have my back and I enjoy that they’re there for me.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically.

EJ: “Pretty good. I take a lot of hard classes but do keep up my grades. I did well in track last year and in volleyball, I feel we will be successful this year.”

BG: If your school was to offer a class it currently doesn’t, what would you want to see taught?

EJ: “Korean, a different language other than Spanish. My old school offered it and no other school has offered anything other than Spanish.”

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

EJ: “I am going to do early admissions to Indiana University, getting my bachelor’s degree and hopefully getting into law school to study criminal law. That’s something I’ve been wanting to do the past couple of years.”

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with your school work being an athlete?

EJ: “It can be, especially when you take a lot of advanced and AP classes because, as a student athlete, you have to put your academics first and when you have late night games and your tired, you still have to get that work done. Time management is beneficial and as an athlete, you learn how to do so.”

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

EJ: “ Mrs. Dickson. She is always there if you have questions, questions outside of her class or even personal problems. She’s always there. Mrs. Hodge I’ve only had this year but she has already been such a great help this year and someone I know I can rely on.”

BG: After college, if you had your choice, would you want to live in the mountains, on the beach or in the neighborhood?

EJ: “I would go somewhere in the mountains. I want to move to Montana as it’s super open and pretty out there.”

BG: Do you think high school has gone fast, and are you going to miss it?

EJ: “It definitely went by a lot faster than I wanted it to. At the beginning of this year, I was talking to a friend about freshmen year, worrying about where classes were. Being a senior puts everything into perspective about where time goes and you can’t take any second for granted.”