This summer, we'll be taking the time to highlight each of our 15 volleyball student-athletes. Get to know your Rocket volleyball squad and come out to Savage Arena this season, which kicks off with a home exhibition match against Indianapolis on Aug. 24.

Emma Swope | Junior | Outside Hitter | Fredericksburg, Va.
 
When did you first start playing volleyball?
I first started volleyball in sixth grade. I attended a clinic at a local club and fell in love with it.

What's your earliest volleyball memory?
My earliest volleyball memory is playing on my 13s team and part of our uniform was knee high white socks and I always thought it was funny.

What is your favorite thing about being a volleyball player?
My favorite things about being a volleyball player are the team aspect and making lifelong friendships with the girls I play with.

Why did you decide to come to the University of Toledo to play volleyball?
I came to Toledo because I thought it had a good balance of academics and athletics. I felt like I was able to get a great education while also being able to fully compete and improve as a volleyball player.

What do you love the most about being a Toledo Rocket?
I like the sense of community on campus and in the athletic department.

Who are your role models?
I think my role model would be Serena Williams.

What is your favorite spot on campus?
Volleyball locker room in Savage Arena.

What is your major and why did you choose it?
My major is Public Health. I chose it because I think it fits my interests and goals.

What is the most interesting class you've taken at Toledo?
The most interesting class I have taken would be the Issues in Women's Studies course I took this past spring. It was a discussion-based course and I really enjoyed that atmosphere and hearing my classmates' views on various topics.

What do you want to do after graduation?
After graduation I want to get involved in the food insecurity and hunger issue. I am not sure exactly what I want to do but I do know that it is the area I want to enter.

Not including volleyball, what is your favorite sport to watch?
My favorite sport to watch is football, and my favorite pro sports team is the Oakland Raiders.

What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy cooking and photography.

What celebrity would you choose to play yourself in a movie?
I would choose Sophie Turner, only because people have told me I look like Sansa Stark.

Have you ever met a celebrity/how did you meet them?
I was in D.C. for Drake and Future's concert in 2016 and a friend and I were waiting to cross the street and Drake's car pulled up at the stoplight we were standing at. His window was down and we got to say hi. We were definitely in shock about it.

What is your dream vacation spot?
My dream vacation spot is Split, Croatia.

What is the best concert you've ever been to?
The best concert I've ever been to is Chance the Rapper for his Be Encouraged Tour.

What is your favorite?
Movie: The Way, Way Back
TV Show: Russian Doll
Holiday: Thanksgiving
Book: Gone Girl
Comfort Food: Pasta