By Derrick Smith

Throughout the career of most athletes, at some point, they will come up against some kind of obstacle or speedbump. Emily Griggs suffered a moment like this during her sophomore year but was able to use it as a learning experience.

“A highlight moment for me would be slow-pitch districts last school year,” she said. “I got injured and had to go and find out I had a tumor the day after. It’s not the happiest but it made me realize how special and how much this sport means to me, and to always fight and never give up.”

Griggs is a junior at Union City Public Schools, where she plays multiple sports. She plays pitcher for the fast pitch softball team, while on the slow pitch team, she plays third base. She plays the post position on the basketball court. 

While she has had a lot of people that have had an influence on her life, Emily says that there are a few people that have made a bigger impact.

“My friend Dallas Brothers would probably be my biggest role model,” Griggs said. “She goes to Minco and she is an amazing athlete. She has been someone that I have always looked up to, metaphorically of course because she is shorter than me. A couple of other people that have been influences for me have been my dad and coach Schmidt. They have both taught me to not quite and to push myself as hard as I can for something I love.”

Being a successful athlete requires work but Emily says that do not get so focused on the work that you miss out on enjoying it. 

“When I play softball, I’d say it takes a lot of determination and grit,” she said. “Just always remember to have fun and make the best of what you can. You never know when it will be gone. Be someone else’s role model. I’ve been pushing very hard for my team and coaches since I could remember.”

Along with being a student at Union City, Griggs also takes Cosmetology at Canadian Valley Tech.