Emma DeSanti to attend Black Hills StateUniversity
by Christine Mahorney
Three years ago, West Grand senior Peyton Bodemann signed with Black Hills State University in South Dakota to play volleyball.
This week, senior Emma DeSanti did the same. She’ll join Peyton to share a court again at BHSU next fall.
“I am very excited to play with Peyton Bodemann,” Emma said. “She was a huge role model for me when I was a (high school) freshman, so it’ll be great to play with her again!”
A multi-talented player, Emma will be bringing her talents as a setter, outside hitter, middle hitter, and right side to Black Hills, where the coaches plan to use her wherever she’s needed to benefit the team.
Head Coach Kristin Carmichael, of the Black Hills State University volleyball team, noted in Emma’s 226 set career, she’s posted 400 kills, 130 aces, 648 digs, and a whopping 4.1 assists a set for a total of 923.
“Emma is a gifted multi-sport athlete,” continued Carmichael. “Emma is a very intelligent player; she runs an efficient offense as a setter and she is also an aggressive attacker that can score from multiple positions along the net. She is capable of putting up big numbers in multiple statistical categories and contributing as a 6-rotation player. We are excited for her future as a Yellow Jacket.”
During her high school volleyball career, Emma has earned many accolades, including All-Conference Honorable Mention her sophomore year, All-Conference her junior year, All-State Honorable Mention her junior year, MVP of the West Grand Tournament, and — most recently — All-State for Colorado Coaches of Girls in Sports (CCGS), All-State First Team, All-Conference, and Co-Player of the Western Slope League.
She’s also earned the Chevron Award, Script K, Scholar Athlete, and varsity letters. Last year Emma earned all-conference honorable mention for basketball.
Off the court, Emma will be pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies with a minor in Graphic Design.
“Not only does Black Hills have an amazing team and athletics program, but they offer what I want educationally,” Emma said. “A quality education is what is most important to me.” Emma also spoke highly of the BHSU community and welcoming environment.
Emma will leave behind valuable relationships with West Grand coaches and teammates, but knows her older sister, Kayla DeSanti will continue to be a major source of support. “Kayla has always been a role model that I look up to. She has taught me work ethic, commitment, and dedication to a sport I love,” Emma said.
Emma would like to issue a huge thank you to all the coaches who have pushed her to do her best. “I couldn’t do it without you!”
Congratulations and best of luck, Emma!
