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.