Story and Photos by Rusty Ellis
Cookeville Lady Cavs Lacrosse senior Emma Bailey signed her national letter of intent to continue her athletic and academic career at Lee University.
“It feels pretty good to know where I’m going and finally make the decision,” Bailey said. “There were a couple other schools, but nothing was really calling my name and the coach at Lee recruited me to play here when I was in fourth grade. I’ve known him for forever.”
Bailey’s put together a successful career at CHS, with her senior season still to come this Spring. She’s scored 78 goals and accounted for 46 assists in 27 games for the Lady Cavs. She’s also been named to the All-Region Team three times and is a three-time captain for the team.
“The girls and the atmosphere,” Bailey said when asked about what she will miss the most. “We’ve gone through so much together…we’ve made it this far and I think I’m one of the only ones to be able to sign, so there’s going to be a lot more after me. It’s just exciting to see the program grow.”
Her head coach loves the fit at Lee University, citing the atmosphere and the coaching styles as reasons for the perfect fit.
“We’ve been to some of their prospect days, and I think she’s going to be a perfect fit for Lee University,” said CHS head coach Resa Roberts. “I think their personalities and coaching style and playing style mesh well, and I think she’ll be a real asset to that team.”
Roberts thinks that Bailey’s work ethic is one of the biggest reasons she’ll be successful at Lee, and it’s one of the things they should be most excited about as far as what they are getting in her.
“They’re getting someone who’s determined, willing to work on and off the field to better herself,” Roberts said. “She shows up early, and she stays late. She works hard all of practice, so they’re getting someone that not only is an asset during game time, but also an asset off the field.”
