Emalee Ballou is a senior captain on the Women’s Volleyball team, who is about to enter her senior day this coming Saturday against Cobleskill.
Who is Emalee Ballou? Emalee Is a 5”8 , Outside hitter, who is majoring in Physical Education. Emalee is from Eden, Buffalo, she has 3 sisters (2 older, 1 younger), Emalee was also a dual sport athlete in high school playing basketball and volleyball.
Emalee is a 4 year member of the Cortland Women’s Volleyball team. When Emalee joined the Red Dragons volleyball team she brought with her the energy, and the work ethic each and everyday. After speaking with Emalee, I asked her what her first thoughts were when she just joined the team. She said, “I wasn’t expecting to play, but I was going to do everything I could to be prepared. I focused on adjusting to the speed difference between the high school game and the college game, working hard in the weight room, and giving 110% every rep that I get” Emalee now in her senior year has seen what it takes to win a SUNYAC championship, being she has never lost one in her past three years she has played. Speaking to Emalee about that she says, “SUNYACs are always great to win and it feels good as a team to be the best in your conference, but we have set higher goals now, and that goal is to compete for a National Championship.”
And has played a big role into the Red dragons success. This year, she played 47 total sets and has 136 kills. The Red Dragons are 12 games into the season, but still looking for more success after being 1-2 their first three matches to start the season. After losing a couple of games in a row Emalee spoke to her team about how the team needs to be more accountable and to not give up on the season. The dragons went on a roll after going 1-2, and won three games in a row before dropping there third lost of the season to Salisbury. They did bounce back after that game and are now on a three game win streak coming into Fridays match against Misericordia.
Emalee Ballou’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and quiet impact. She may not always lead in every stat category, but she brings balance, depth, and reliability to the Cortland Red Dragons volleyball team. As she finishes her senior year, those qualities plus her upside in some matches define her not just as a player, but as someone who elevates the whole team.
Check out the Red Dragons live on Senior Day at 11:00 in the Gymnasium to celebrate not only Emalee, but her senior teammates Alyssa Rich, and Emma Riley.