By Michael Kinney
Emma Henry had an opportunity to depart.
The Norman High senior, who shall be enjoying for the University of Oklahoma in 2023, had an opportunity to begin her faculty life early.
But there was one factor that saved Henry from making that soar: Her NHS teammates.
“I thought about graduating early,” Henry mentioned. “I’ve thought about that, but I was like, I want to finish out my senior year because these girls have meant so much to me.”
Even although the NHS volleyball has struggled at factors this 12 months, Henry mentioned the time she has been in a position to spend with her teammates on and off the courtroom has made it worthwhile.
“It’s what I expected and then some,” Henry mentioned. “I knew it was going to be a great season, but I did not expect to get so close with these girls so fast.”
Henry provides the credit score for the group being nearer with new head coach Holly Beers. According to Henry, Beers modified the tradition of the Tigers within the brief time she has been in cost.
“She’s changed the culture completely and it’s for the better for sure,” Henry mentioned.
That was evident at the Mustang Tournament close to the tip of the common season.
Playing within the Silver Division, the Tigers got here away with first place. That included knocking off the OKC Storm of their remaining match, 2-0
“I think we played great. I think it was one of our strongest tournaments by far,” Henry mentioned. “We finished really well. Our offense was really good. Our defense is cohesive. It’s been really good.”
Norman closed out the common season with a 7-22 report. They performed within the Edmond North regional on Tuesday, however fell to Edmond Santa Fe in three units.
Still, previous to the regional, Henry maintained perception her group was able to making noise within the postseason.
It’s that kind of confidence and management that Beers has come to rely on from her prime participant.
“She has been very mature. This is her fourth year on varsity. She’s gearing up to go to college and go play at OU,” Beers mentioned. “I’m so excited to have witnessed her growth just from the beginning of the season to now. She’s always been a leader, but this year, in her senior year, she’s really, really stepped up and taken on that role.”
Though Norman was defeated at its regional, Henry has been pleased with what she has been in a position to accomplish and hopes she can have left her imprint on this system.
“I hope so. I like to think so,” Henry mentioned. “I have a little family of (junior varsity) and freshman girls. They’re great. So, I hope so.”
But Henry will nonetheless be capable to preserve abreast of her alma matter after she graduates. Being across the nook at OU means she is going to by no means be too distant.
It’s one of many many causes Henry selected the Sooners to proceed her volleyball profession.
“I’d say first and foremost, the coaching staff. They made me honestly feel like I was at home,” Henry mentioned of the Sooners. “Growing up in Norman, I never would’ve thought that I would’ve stayed in Oklahoma and I’ve been around it all my life. But I loved it.
“I went on a visit there and I just fell in love. And the girls there have just been so welcoming, so friendly, so funny. I’m just so excited for it.”
Even although Henry grew up across the college, it wasn’t till she took her first official go to as a recruit that it felt like house.
“It was that feeling. I know that sounds so cliche, but it was that feeling,” Henry mentioned. “I thought it was going to be fake. Like I thought that didn’t exist, but I did get that feeling.
“It was meant to be for sure.”
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