Mimi Emswiler ’24 is a four-year Senior from New York, NY. At school, she is a co-captain of Girls Varsity Volleyball (GVV), co-head of the Blue and White and Special Olympics clubs, Senior advisor to One Love, and a volunteer Peer Listener. She is also a member of Girls Varsity Basketball and Varsity Rowing. Her Volleyball co-captain, Maisie Wright ’24, said, “Mimi radiates positive energy, which uplifts the team.” 

How did you get started playing volleyball? 

I started to play volleyball in 7th grade. In my small all-girls school in New York City, I was always recognized as a good athlete. The transition to Hotchkiss athletics proved difficult, as I was not used to being in such a big pond with so many talented athletes. However, I did not let this get in the way of my determination to become a better player. I worked very hard on my skills as an individual player on JV during my Prep year. Throughout the summer going into my Lower Mid year, I worked to whip myself into shape and consistently practiced to prepare for fall tryouts. I made Varsity as a Lower Mid. That was a breakthrough in my volleyball career, because it validated my work ethic and many hours of practice. 

What are some of the highlights of your time playing on the team? 

Our game against Loomis Chaffee during this year’s Family Weekend is definitely one of my many fond memories of us as a team. We went into the game very nervous, as we were aware of their powerful hitters and impressive record. Our parents were there cheering us on, which definitely motivated us to stay focused and work hard. As a result, we put up a great fight and each one of my teammates played with confidence. 

How has the school’s program helped you develop as a player? 

Starting off as a JV player was very helpful, because it let me focus on bettering myself as a player; I didn’t feel as much pressure to fulfill the expectations of others as I do at the Varsity level. When I joined the Varsity team, I quickly realized that the skillset of the team as a whole is just as important as my individual skill set. The coach’s level of transparency in terms of each individual player’s strengths and weaknesses is extremely helpful to understanding the dynamic of the team as a whole. As a captain, I learned to focus just as much if not more on the team’s skill set in contrast to my own to make the team an oiled machine as a whole. A united team is crucial to success. 

What are some of your goals in your final season? 

I want to feel a sense of fulfillment and pride in myself as a player and captain. I also want to focus on having fun, trying new things, and fully engaging with my teammates in our final weeks together. As a team, we want to make it to the NEPSAC tournament. Even if we do not achieve this goal, I want each player to feel proud and happy with how they contributed to the team and played throughout the season.