1 ON 1 CONVERSATION: Wayne Christian's Emily Wells

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 26, 2016 1:48 PM

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Wayne Christian School setter Emily Wells transitioned to setter during her junior season. Hesitant at first, Wells embraced the change and emerged as one of the Eagles' leaders on the volleyball court last fall.

Q: Tell us about your decision to attend Montreat.

A: I picked that as my first-choice school before I ever tried out (for volleyball). It is a small school, which is what I wanted to go to coming from a small high school. I didn't want to go to a school where I felt overwhelmed. I like that it's a Christian school, too, so I can continue my Christian education. I love the area in Black Mountain because it's just beautiful, is one of the best parts to me. It's so pretty.

Q: You mentioned that you want to continue your Christian education. Tell us a little more about that.

A: I've been here at Wayne Christian since second grade. I feel like it's really developed my life as a Christian. I've gotten to learn some theology ... a little bit of everything over the years. Going to Montreat, I want to build more on education on the Bible and Christ and theology, so I carry that into my career ... maybe ministry one day.

Q: What do you know about the Montreat volleyball program?

A: They have a JV and varsity team, so I'll be playing on their JV team. I'm really excited about it. I didn't even know colleges had JV and varsity teams until I went (for my visit). It's a chance for me to get my feet wet. (Editor's note: Before finally settling on Montreat, Wells' top choice was Lees-McRae College -- a private small school. She also toured Meredith and N.C. State).

Q: How did you adjust moving from a hitting position to the setting position your junior season?

A: When I first started out, I was like 'oh no, there is no way I'm going to learn how to play this position.' It was really different because I've never been a setter before, didn't really know what a setter had to do. I'm typically a quiet person, so it was really hard for me to learn how to yell at everyone. It made me get out of my comfort zone. Everybody was 'Emily, you're a lot louder.' I had to learn a lot of footwork and to sprint more after stray balls. I enjoy setting a lot and I'm glad I made the switch. I think it's worked out. (Editor's note: Wells right middle and right-side hitter as a sophomore, and has been playing volleyball competitively since she was a fifth-grader at WCS).

Q: Is Montreat recruting you as a setter or possibly play different positions since it's a JV team?

A: It depends on what my skill level is when I get there. I tried out as a setter and a right side. (The coach) said she's looking at me initially as either a setter or a DS (defensive specialist). We'll see after club season and working out during the summer.

Q: Who do you play travel ball with and how has that helped your game?

A: I played with WAVE last year, but when WAVE closed, I switched to JOCO Heat this year. I think travel ball has helped me the most because I get so many more touches on the ball. It helps me stay in shape through the winter and helps keep my mind on volleyball. Last year was the first year I played travel ball and I didn't know what to expect. All-day tournaments has really increased my endurance and helped me focus because when you're at a tournament all day, you can't really get distracted by one game. You have to keep pushing forward until the end of the day. It's helped me all around with my skill level and learning from different coaches.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about volleyball?

A: One of the reasons that I'm really intrigued by volleyball is because it's such a mental game. I don't think people really recognize that most of the time. But you have to be focused on everything. If you have the wrong mindset, you're pretty much going to fall apart. You can't just focus on one point, but focus on the end goal and can't get discouraged. Volleyball ... you have to be quick, you have to be strong.

Q: What do think is your biggest strength as a player, and what do you feel like you're going to have to do better to contribute better at Montreat?

A: I know I'm definitely going to have to improve more as player because college ball and high school ball are a completely different game. I feel like I need to improve overall in all of my skills ... passing, setting and hitting. I keep my head pretty clear most of the time, which is a good thing to have. I'm pretty good at encouraging other people.

Q: Moving to the setter position last year, how did that change you as far as becoming more of a leader on the court?

A: It made me step up because the setter is the leader, the one calling plays. You have to know everyone's rotation (on the floor). You have to know how your hitters like to hit, know where the blockers are so you can throw them off on which way you set. I had to get to know my teammates better, know their skills better ... pretty much know the whole team better. I had to learn how to be loud.

Q: What kind of influence has (WCS coach) Rick Moore had on you?

A: He's taught me a majority of what I know about the game. We have such a good program here. I started doing his camps during the summer before I could ever play on his team. He taught me the foundation and I've gotten to grow as a player, learn more and build (my game) with him. When I switched to setting, he took extra time in practice to help me and show me what to do. When I wanted to try out at Montreat, he was real helpful in telling me what I needed to do, and how I needed to do it.