Emma Benson has been a crucial part of the Earlville volleyball team’s successful fall season.
That continued last week as Benson recorded her 1,000th career assist and helped the Red Raiders to a second-place finish in the Little Ten Conference Tournament.
“I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to coach Emma for the last four years,” Earlville coach Tonya Scherer said. “Emma is a great teammate and leader. “Last week was a great week for Emma and the Earlville volleyball team. She is our leadoff server and sets the tone for us right from the start. She has been serving very well this year. Every play runs through her. She has done a great job getting good sets to our hitters.”
In the LTC tournament, Benson had 13 assists in the quarterfinal, recorded 25 assists and three aces in the semifinal and had 26 assists, 10 points and three aces in the championship match as the Red Raiders lost in three sets to No. 1-seeded Newark.
For her performance, Benson was voted the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Central Bank and Witek Wealth Management.
Benson answered a few questions from NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum.
Do you have any nicknames?
Em, EB, or Benson
What do you like about playing volleyball?
I just love being on the court, especially with my girls, and winning.
How did it feel to record your 1,000th career assist?
It felt amazing. It’s something I’ve been trying to reach since my sophomore year, and I’ve worked really hard for it.
Besides volleyball season, what do you like about fall?
I love the leaves and the colors. I also like going to pumpkin patches.
What was the best Halloween costume you ever wore?
When I was a baby I was a Hershey’s kiss.
What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Snickers or Skittles
What is your favorite subject in school?
Lunch
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Greece. I loved learning about Greek mythology in school, and it’s so beautiful.
What are your plans after high school?
Go to college for dental hygiene and maybe play volleyball.
What are your thoughts on your performance last week?
I was really proud about how I played last week. I knew what I needed to do to play my best, and the outcome wasn’t what I wanted, or my team, but I played my heart out, and I couldn’t have done it without my team, coaches and fans cheering me on.