The scoreboard was counting down the seconds, the score changing periodically.

Although the

game wasn’t over yet, the team, as well as the audience had something else they were anticipatingly

waiting on. 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 wasn’t going to get it that

night. The Lady Rams volleyball team was in the moment, dominating their opponents at North

Buncombe High School. The energy in the gym was said to be eccentric, “unmatched,” Youngblood

described her big moment. Assist after another, the anticipation and emotion were 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 after being asked about the background she has with her favorite pastime. 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

also off the court and in their friendship building.

“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, etc.,” 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 each other,” she said.

“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

with 3 straight sets, the finishing scores being (25-3)(25-21)(25-13).

“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

player throughout his adolescence.

“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 great 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.