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Yb Record Story
Yb Record Story
team, as well as the audience had something else they were anticipating. At that moment, senior Emma
Youngblood knew she only had 9 more assists before making TC Roberson volleyball history, yet there
was no doubt in her mind that she hit that mark. The Lady Rams volleyball team were, at the moment,
dominating North Buncombe on their home court. The energy in the gym was said to be eccentric,
“unmatched,” Youngblood described her big moment. Assist after another, the excitement was
fast-moving, closer and closer. It wasn’t until midway through the first set when Youngblood had
officially surpassed the school record for most overall career assists. She was congratulated in balloons,
hugs, and booming cheers at all sides of the gymnasium. Youngblood passed the record with a total of
1,626 assists after that game, beating the old record holder, Sophia Fantauzzi, who had a record of 1,625
points.
“The second I touched a volleyball I knew I was going to love the sport forever,” stated
Youngblood. She has been playing volleyball since she was just 11 years old, playing for both her school's
team and her club’s team, Xcel Volleyball Performance. Youngblood had also come to the school district
as a new student her freshman year. She gives a lot of credit to her coaches – Michelle Wagaman, John
Wagaman, and Matthew Spencer, as well as her peers and teammates for making her new move a pleasant
one, and providing her that sports team bond and aid that got her to where she is.
“Coming to the school and not knowing anyone was difficult. They made sure that I was welcome
with open arms, as well as making it an easy adjustment. [...] They [her teammates] have become the
sisters I always wished to have.” Youngblood then further explains her process of studying her teammates
and why that played an important role for the team as a whole, not only on the court during games but
“Being a setter I have to know every one of my hitters extremely well. I have to know how fast
they like their set, how high, where at, what plays they want to run.” she said. “Needing to know all of
that information about each one brings me a lot closer to them and it helps me better understand them as a
player, which then leads me to understanding them as individuals. [...] Having to play beside them and
communicate with them every play of every game has a strong impact on how much trust we have with
“At such a young age I knew that volleyball was going to be a part of my life for a long time. [...]
I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into the sport. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” And her claimed
blood, sweat, and tears, had eventually paid off for her the night of the North Buncombe game.
“Sharing that moment with my best friends, having them all come over and give me a big group
hug had made me start crying, it was just a realization of all that hard work.”
According to Youngblood, the support she received post-record break was worth it, and the win
against North Buncombe that night? Well, that was just a bonus. The Lady Rams won that match clean
“We saw something in Emma since she was a freshman and probably before honestly,” said head
coach Michelle Wagaman when asked about Youngblood’s contribution to the team. Wagaman has been a
TC volleyball coach for 13 years. Wagaman loves all things volleyball and gives credit to the sport for
giving her the opportunities she’s been given, including meeting her husband who was also a volleyball
“Being a setter in volleyball, I would say, is comparable to being a quarterback in football. They
are touching the ball every play, ideally. Putting a freshman in that position is risky, I haven't done that
very many times. [...] I think she had that confidence, and you know, I trust her wholeheartedly, like I
knew she was going to do what's best for the team. She just got better and better every single year and it
was really fun to watch, but it's also sad that she's a senior because she’s brought a lot to this program.”
Wagaman states that although it was something she didn’t do often, she knew putting Youngblood
as a varsity setter her freshman year would have a substantial impact on the team, making a great
attribution to their overall performance. Currently, the volleyball team holds an undefeated conference
season and is aiming towards bringing home another conference title. All this would not be possible