Emily Baddock - Women's Volleyball

Emily Baddock is a captain for the 2011-12 Carnegie Mellon volleyball team. Emily will be graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Politics and a minor in French. She is also enrolled in the Accelerated Master’s Program in Public Policy and Management through Heinz College.

If you had asked me to describe my expected college career, as a high school junior in Texas, there is no doubt that I would have been far off from today’s reality. I had no idea that I would not only be moving halfway across the country to attend a world-ranked school, but also competing as a member of the University’s varsity volleyball team. I had anticipated that my volleyball career would end along with the completion of my high school education, remaining only as a small part of my pre-college background. Little did I know, however, that these unexpected possibilities would ultimately dominate my college experience.

Over the course of my four years at Carnegie Mellon, the volleyball team has been an integral part of my life and has led me to countless other worthwhile opportunities. One of my favorite parts of the Tartan athletic experience was the chance to travel and compete at the seven other schools within our UAA conference. After all, what is better than traveling to cities all over the U.S. with some of your closest friends to do something that you truly love? While the balance between school, athletics, and a handful of other important commitments was difficult and even overwhelming at times, the hard work and extra effort always paid off.  Ultimately, I found that the combination of an athletic outlet and a team’s built-in support network has the power to get you through just about anything.

In my last year as an undergrad, I served as one of our team’s three captains as well as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Through these roles, I met several incredible people who will undoubtedly do amazing things and had the chance to participate in activities that have left a lasting impact on both the Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon communities.

While I had not initially anticipated my role as a University leader and athlete, it has thankfully left me some of the most rewarding and memory-filled experiences of my life. If there is one thing that I have learned over the course of my college career, it is to always remain open to new opportunities and experiences. You never know where a path will ultimately lead you, so take advantage of every chance you get and strive to make the most of it.