University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Alumni Spotlight: Annemarie Emme
11/27/2019 1:09:00 PM | Tennis
Annemarie Emme, known as Annie to her former teammates and coaches, graduated this past spring. When she reflects back on her time at Minnesota, she looks back at a place where she grew within her sport and her academic career. She left as a captain of the University of Minnesota women's tennis team and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. Gopher Sports decided to catch up with Annemarie in this Alumni Spotlight.
Gopher Sports: Since graduating, what have you been up to?
Annemarie Emme: After graduating I traveled for a month with a few of my friends from college. Mostly in Europe but also took a trip up to Canada so see some teammates and Cory Hart perform. I started working at Alight Solutions in July which is what I have been doing since then. It is in Chicago and that is where I am from originally so I am at home which worked out really well for me.
GS: What are some things you have accomplished since graduating? Are there any goals you have set?
AE: I have learned a lot in the last few months since starting a job and transitioning out of college. This is kind of an interesting question because I am usually someone who loves setting goals and working towards something I want to accomplish. In the last few months I have been just seeing where things take me and living in the present. I have small goals in my head and I'm always trying to better myself everyday. That's been my goal at work at least, just try to be better than the day before and learn something I didn't know yesterday.
GS: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota? What makes it so special?
AE: I chose Minnesota for a lot of reasons. I feel like I've answered this question a thousand times and I always say it's because I loved the Big Ten growing up, I loved the campus and the team. Honestly I think it's because when I was offered to come it just felt right and I decided to trust my instincts. My instincts did not let me down.
GS: During your senior year, you were named a co-captain alongside Caitlyn Merzbacher. How did it feel to be chosen by your team and what did you gain from that experience?
AE: It's always a good feeling being seen as a leader and someone that others can come to. Especially people who you are already so close with. The experience was a little different for me because of my injury, and difficult at times because I wasn't on the court and traveling with them like usual. But when my team needed me I was there for them and it taught me the importance of support, communication, and cell phones.
GS: You also had a very successful athletic and academic career. How did your success and experiences prepare you for life after graduation?
AE: Gopher women's tennis is a program that will always have a huge part of my heart. The amount it has given me is more than I thought anything could. I am actually writing this on a plane from visiting my team in Minnesota. All of my experience in those 4 years have made me ready for different situations and types of people. I am learning that most things that come with being a student athlete, prepares you for life after graduating.
GS: What impact did the University of Minnesota have on you as an athlete and a person?
AE: The impact is kinda unexplainable because it changed my life in so many ways. Tennis wise and as a person I realized my potential. I got better as a tennis player and person every year I was here and I can only hope that continues. The amount of opportunity this school has to offer, they almost make it hard not to feel like you're a part of something big.
GS: Do you have any favorite or funny memories while wearing the Maroon and Gold?
AE: So much happens in four years and I have so many great memories. For some reason the funniest moments would always happen when we were in the airport. We would have flight at crazy hours so we were all tired and just our true selves. One time Cam Vargas was passed out sleeping with her mouth open and I kept putting little pieces of food in her mouth until she woke up.
GS: What advice do you want to give newcomers that follow in your footsteps?
AE: Everyone's experience is different but it's undeniable how much opportunity the 'U' gives you. So whenever you're questioning getting involved in something, just try it. Anything from a SAAC meeting to sports psych. The athletic department hand crafts everything to better us as people and athletes, but it's up to us to take advantage of it.