LFA Volleyball Inspires a Career

It was when Mrs. Pasquale spotted her in grade 9 and asked her to join the seniors that Emily gained the confidence to throw herself into the game. Under the amazing and dedicated coaching of Mrs. Pasquale for the remainder of her time at LFA, the LFA team took home bronze at Provincials two years in a row, and Emily was named MVP. Inspired by the fun times on the court during high school and with the support of an amazing coach (who encouraged her to try out for the provincial team), Emily decided to keep playing volleyball at the post-secondary level.

Emily was recruited by a number of universities across North America, but she settled on UBC. After all, the hometown university had one of the top volleyball programs in Canada, and she could play in front of her family. During her five years playing for UBC, the team made it the national finals twice, and Emily was named Canada West Player of the Year in her graduating year.

Even before her graduation though, Emily was blessed with more volleyball opportunities. After her third year of university, Emily was invited to try out for the Canadian National Volleyball Team, with whom she played for five years. For three of her five years representing Canada’s volleyball best, she was team captain. Her passion for volleyball extended beyond her university years and even Canada’s vast boundaries. After graduating from UBC, Emily went to play volleyball in France, playing in the French Professional League, amongst the best players in the world.

Volleyball has given Emily so many opportunities, including making many amazing friends, travelling all around the world, and meeting her husband, who played for the Canadian Men’s National team. It has also given her a few aches and pains, some of which endured for a year after retiring. Emily retired from playing professionally and went on to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. She is now an associate producer at Global News. Still connected to volleyball in many ways, she has done some sports reporting, including being the volleyball colour commentator at the London 2012 Olympics and at the 2013 Canada Summer Games. Finally though, Emily is enjoying some time off - with the newest addition to her family, her son Lucas!