EMU Women’s Volleyball concluded their season with two narrow victories over Randolph and Hood College. Seniors Megan Miller, Lizzy Kirkton, and Junior Manuela Marin Rivera were not only key contributors to the wins, but to the entire program over the last four years.
Miller ended the season with 500 assists; her third straight year over the 500 mark. As a three-year starter, she ended with 1,789 assists for her career, which is good for 3rd all-time in EMU history. In addition to her successful career on the court, volleyball has been a place where Miller has “created so many strong friendships over the years,” she said. “EMU volleyball has meant having a second family that I can always rely on. My college experience would have been significantly different without all of my teammates.”
Kirkton showed her versatility this season by contributing in many areas for the Royals. She ended the season with 280 digs and 596 for her career. She also led the Royals in kills this season with 296, putting her at 706 for her career.
Kirkton didn’t realize the impact volleyball would have on her when she came in as a first-year, but she said, “It has shaped me in ways that I could have never imagined. I have learned so many valuable life lessons and how to face adversity when problems arise.”
Marin was also key to the Royals’ success, primarily on the defensive end where she often played libero. She finished with 272 digs on the season, which was by far the best of her career. Volleyball has been more than just a team for Marin, she said, but rather a “source of strength” and a “safe space since pre-season [her] freshmen year.”
It’s a bittersweet feeling as the seniors reflect on their volleyball careers, but their memories will never be forgotten. “EMU volleyball has taught me perseverance and showed me what I am capable of. I couldn’t be more thankful for my experience of playing volleyball at EMU,” Miller said. It has been a huge part of her life since the third grade and now will be “weird to not go to practice every day or get ready for a game with my team.” Although Miller’s playing career is over, she anticipates coaching in her future, saying, “I know that volleyball will always be part of my life.”
Kirkton has many memories that she “will forever cherish” when looking back on her career, but she said, “the best part about volleyball is the energy that comes with celebrating teammates’ successes. There is nothing like the feeling of getting a point and having your teammates run across the court jumping into your arms and pushing you around.”
As Marin reflected on her time as a Royal, she said, “every laugh and every tear was just amazing next to my 16 sisters.” Her favorite memories are “cheering on every point with [her] team as if it was the last one ever. And definitely winning against Randolph-Macon,” she said.
