“A coach cannot ask for more than having your best player also be the hardest worker on the team.  That kind of mentality and leadership by example is contagious to the entire program."

First-year Oakwood High School Girls’ Varsity Coach Richard Bagienski saw what Emma Neff could contribute to the team right away.  He says her selflessness allows her teammates to get involved and “makes them better.”

Neff began playing basketball when she was in kindergarten.  She has also played soccer and softball.  She credits the people, her teammates and coaches, with making sports fun.  While she knows she’s a hard worker and competitive, she finds a certain calm when playing sports.

“I feel relaxed and calm when playing sports, nothing heavy weighing on your mind but focused on winning and not thinking about anything going on outside of it.”

Bagienski says it’s Neff’s “incredible skill and athletic ability” that has led her to be among the top five in the Southwestern Buckeye League in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals.  Bagienski says he will remember Neff for her work ethic and everything she brought to the team.

“I will always remember her for her dedication to becoming the best player that she can be for herself and her teammates along with her sense of humor.”

While she has another year playing for OHS, Neff is already looking to the future.  She says she hopes to play sports in college.