What is your name?
Emily Ireland
How old are you?
18
What grade are you in?
12th
Where do you attend school
Hickory Ridge High School
What sport(s) do you play?
Weightlifting and Volleyball
Why did you first choose your sport?
Because I went to a class with my mom when I was younger and I thought it was really cool.
Why do you continue to play your sport?
Because I like seeing how strong I can become
If you could achieve anything you wished for in your sport, what would it be?
I am not really sure.
How important is achieving your sporting goals to you?
Pretty important, because it makes me feel good knowing that I can accomplish those things.
What is your favorite sports quote?
“A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” - Mary Lou Retton
What emotions do you feel when you play well?
I feel accomplished and excited.
What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?
“American Wasteland” By nascar aloe
What is your favorite movie about sports?
Remember the Titans
How does being an athlete make you a better person?
Being an athlete has taught me that it is okay to fail as long as you get back up and try again.
What is the one thing you always do after a good performance?
I don’t really have a set thing. I just smile and feel accomplished.
What do you do to calm your butterflies while you compete?
I just think about the breakdown of the movements of the lift.
If you could play another sport what would it be?
I’ve always wanted to try boxing.
What age were you when you started your sport?
I started playing volleyball when I was 8 and I started weightlifting when I was 12.
What is your favorite food to eat the night before a big competition?
A cheeseburger
Who inspired you as a young athlete?
I would have to say all the older girls I knew who I thought were really good.
What one word describes you?
Quiet
Who was your favorite coach and why?
I had a volleyball coach from 7th grade to 9th grade, she really helped me develop as a player and also taught me how to work hard for the things that I want.
What do you give up to play sports?
Hanging out with friends
What is your favorite place to compete?
At our home gym
What mental tool do you use under pressure?
I use imagery.
What is your favorite mantra?
You got this
Do you think attitude is a factor in winning?
Yes, if you don’t want to win you won’t
What image gets you ready to compete?
I feel like music helps me get more ready to compete.
How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
It makes me want to share the joy that I have experienced from being an athlete with other people.
How does athletics make you a better student or worker?
It has shown me how to work hard and never give up.
