University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Senior Send-off: Annemarie Emme
4/16/2019 2:32:00 PM | Tennis
As one of the few current Gophers to crack the history books, Annemarie Emme has lived true to the saying of leaving something better than you found it. As one of the fiercest doubles competitors, Emme has continuously maintained an integral role across the roster as team captain alongside fellow senior Caitlyn Merzbacher. Heading into senior day, Gopher Sports sat down with Emme to discuss her time at Minnesota, words of wisdom for future classes, and her life after college.
GS: When you look back on your time at Minnesota, what match, practice or event stands out to you the most?
AE: The match that stands out to me the most was my sophomore year. We played Memphis and had just won 4-3. Caroline Ryba, my teammate in high school as well, had just come back in the third set being down 4-0 and winning 6 straight games to clinch the match. I remember being so happy and proud to have been a part of something like that and helping my team win. The men's team had a match after ours and was waiting for us to finish, also cheering Caroline on. They started warming up as we walked off the court and played the song "sweet Caroline" for our win and Caroline's comeback. That's when I knew I had chosen the right school and how nothing compares to Minnesota tennis culture.
GS: If you could leave any piece of advice or words of wisdom for the younger players what would it be?
AE: My piece of advice for younger players is to always remember why you started playing tennis. All of your decisions led you to where you are now and you need to trust yourself and your decisions to come. Being a collegiate athlete is an incredible experience and you should take advantage of the opportunities it gives you. If you need help with anything, reach out. There is someone to help you with anything you could think of, or there to help you blow past the potential you thought you had. Enjoy it because there is nothing like living on your own and figuring out who you are with others doing the same thing.
GS: What has Minnesota given you?
AE: Minnesota has given me experiences, memories and people in my life I would never replace or take back. It has given me a family away from home and most of all a perspective on life I never thought I would have. I am so grateful for everything I have and everyone I have met and my experience here has let me see that is what is important. A lot changes in four years and there is always something new coming at you that you need to adapt to. These past years have taught me to take those things coming at me and realize they are learning experiences rather than problems. Overall, it has given me a community that I love and will miss so much once I leave.
GS: What is your next step after school?
AE: I will be going back to Chicago and working for a company called Alight Solutions.
GS: Anything else you would like to add about your time at Minnesota?
AE: I was very nervous at first to come to such a big school in the Big Ten and start new. I now am positive it was one of the best decisions I have made and love everything about this state and school.
GS: When you look back on your time at Minnesota, what match, practice or event stands out to you the most?
AE: The match that stands out to me the most was my sophomore year. We played Memphis and had just won 4-3. Caroline Ryba, my teammate in high school as well, had just come back in the third set being down 4-0 and winning 6 straight games to clinch the match. I remember being so happy and proud to have been a part of something like that and helping my team win. The men's team had a match after ours and was waiting for us to finish, also cheering Caroline on. They started warming up as we walked off the court and played the song "sweet Caroline" for our win and Caroline's comeback. That's when I knew I had chosen the right school and how nothing compares to Minnesota tennis culture.
GS: If you could leave any piece of advice or words of wisdom for the younger players what would it be?
AE: My piece of advice for younger players is to always remember why you started playing tennis. All of your decisions led you to where you are now and you need to trust yourself and your decisions to come. Being a collegiate athlete is an incredible experience and you should take advantage of the opportunities it gives you. If you need help with anything, reach out. There is someone to help you with anything you could think of, or there to help you blow past the potential you thought you had. Enjoy it because there is nothing like living on your own and figuring out who you are with others doing the same thing.
GS: What has Minnesota given you?
AE: Minnesota has given me experiences, memories and people in my life I would never replace or take back. It has given me a family away from home and most of all a perspective on life I never thought I would have. I am so grateful for everything I have and everyone I have met and my experience here has let me see that is what is important. A lot changes in four years and there is always something new coming at you that you need to adapt to. These past years have taught me to take those things coming at me and realize they are learning experiences rather than problems. Overall, it has given me a community that I love and will miss so much once I leave.
GS: What is your next step after school?
AE: I will be going back to Chicago and working for a company called Alight Solutions.
GS: Anything else you would like to add about your time at Minnesota?
AE: I was very nervous at first to come to such a big school in the Big Ten and start new. I now am positive it was one of the best decisions I have made and love everything about this state and school.
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