By TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Being a leader is rarely easy. Taking on that role typically requires extra dedication, patience and focus. When you add on the task of playing multiple positions, that role can be even more challenging to achieve at a high level.
For Tennessee Tech volleyball sophomore Emma Osterbur, it just comes with the territory. The Spring Hill, Tenn. native has been a model student-athlete in her three semesters in Cookeville, achieving Athletic Director's Honor Roll honors three times.
She has added on to her role as an example of how to be successful in the classroom, establishing herself as a leader on the court as well.
"Emma is constantly striving for excellence on the court and in the classroom," Tech head coach Jeannette Waldo expressed," and she does it all with a smile on her face. She has developed a leadership role this year on our team and has taken that responsibility in stride. Emma has been challenged athletically in two very different positions, but does what is asked of her and never complains. She has an excellent work ethic and leads by example. We always know that she's going to do the right thing."
The team's back-up setter to junior starter Ashley Hand, Osterbur has expanded her game as a sophomore to become a valuable defensive weapon for the Golden Eagles. Playing in four matches this season so far, she ranks fourth on the team in total digs (27) and represents one of five Golden Eagles with multiple service aces on the year.
"I am really proud of how Emma constantly embraces every challenge with a smile on her face and continues to have a highly positive impact on her team," Waldo said. "She is constantly working hard and leading by example on the court and in the classroom."
Her leadership qualities expand even beyond the hardwood and the classroom as well.
"Emma is very involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Tech and had the opportunity to share her testimony with the group earlier this year," Waldo explained. "She embodies passion in everything she does and has spread that passion into the FCA community."
It is for these qualities and dedication that Osterbur is the recipient of the 2021 January Unsung Leader Award.
The Unsung Leader Award is selected from student-athletes, who have been nominated by their coaching staff, for exemplifying outstanding leadership qualities during the past month. The leadership can be shown on the field, in the weight room, at practice, in the classroom, in study hall, on campus, in the community or for a student club or organization.
The award honors a varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tennessee Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as:
- Keep learning, growing and improving
- Follow through with excellence
- Accomplish more than expected
- Inspire and motivate others
Photo by Thomas Corhern
