UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI – This month's Women's Basketball "Get to Know" spotlight is sophomore center, Emily Wendling. Due to an injury, Emily is sitting the 2013-2014 season out, but still remains an integral part to the success of SVSU Women's Basketball. A year ago, she was named the GLIAC "Freshman of the Year," becoming just the second Cardinal in school history to do so. Her accolades continued as she earned First Team All-Conference, led the team in points per game (15.0), field goal percentage (53.1) and rebounds per game (8.3). She also recorded 10 double-doubles, 4th highest among freshman in the country.
Below are a few comments from Head Coach, Jamie Pewinski, about Emily:
"I can't begin to describe the impact Emily has had on our program here at SVSU. She had one of the best freshman campaigns in school history last season and worked extremely hard during the summer to prepare herself for this year. Unfortunately injury will cause her to miss this season, but there's no question she's still a huge reason we've been able to get off to a good start."
"Emily is a great teammate; she has been able to help our new post players develop and they rely on her heavily for advice. I truly believe that this year will help her become even stronger when she returns. Not only is she a great player, she's an even better person. She works very hard to maintain one of the higher GPA's on our team and represents our program in the community through a number of different ways. We are excited about what lies ahead for her and we're lucky to have her as part of our SVSU Women's Basketball family."
NAME: Emily Wendling
HOMETOWN / HIGH SCHOOL: Flushing, Michigan / Flushing High School
POSITION: C
HEIGHT: 6'3"
JERSEY #: 43
Below are some of Emily's thoughts about SVSU, her Cardinal teammates & a glimpse into what matters most outside of basketball:
I love it here at SVSU! I am so glad I decided to come here. I am also so glad I get to be on a team with all of my wonderful teammates. They are some of my best friends and I am so glad I got an opportunity to meet all of them. Outside of basketball, my academics are really important to me. My family is also very important to me. I am lucky SVSU is so close to home because I get a chance to see them pretty often.
Why did you come to SVSU?
I came to SVSU because I loved the campus and SVSU has a good occupational therapy program. I also came here because I liked the coaches and I knew that I would have an opportunity to play right away.
What is the best part of campus?
My favorite part of campus is the Ryder Center…I spend most of my time there.
What is a random fact that most people might not know about you?
I have never had any type of a pet.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Get Smart.
Who is your greatest inspiration and why?
My greatest inspiration is my mom. She is always there for me. Whenever I am having a bad day or just need someone to talk to, I know I can always depend on her to cheer me up or give me some good advice.
What is your favorite music group right now?
I don't really have a favorite music group right now… I like all kinds of music.
Favorite food?
I like any type of Italian food.
Who is the best dancer on the team?
I would say Sam…she has worked really hard on her dancing skills this year.
What is your career ambition?
I want to be an occupational therapist.
Stay tuned to svsucardinals.com so you can "Get to Know" the next member of the Women's Basketball team.
Click here to view previous Student-Athlete Spotlight segments