Stockman to be inducted into Wichita State Hall of Fame

Looking back on her life, Emily Stockman finds herself in unexpected territory.

“This is not something I was thinking when I was 16 or 17 [years old],” said Stockman.

She does however remember the moment volleyball became her life during her junior year at Wichita State.

“We were ranked first in the nation for our defense, and that’s the year I was the MVP for the conference,” said Stockman. “So I think that’s when it hit me that it’s something that I’m good at and that I love.”

When she was in school at Doherty, Stockman dreamed of one day playing in the WNBA. Now, as she prepares for a run at the 2020 Olympics in beach volleyball, she’s found a pretty solid backup plan.

“We don’t really have an off season anymore,” said Stockman. “It’ll just be four years of grinding it out and battling.”

With a bright future ahead, Stockman remembers her volleyball journey hasn’t always been smooth spiking.

“It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever had at Wichita State, and I did not play well,” said Stockman. “I don’t know what was wrong, but me and my setter just weren’t connecting and it just wasn’t good. It’s hard, you have a bad match and people talk and it can bring you down a little bit.”

Through the dark times, she’s felt guidance on her way to this moment.

“[I talk] to my family a lot, they’re definitely my support system. And I grew up in a Christian home so Ijust put a lot of faith in God and follow that path.”

Stockman will be inducted into the Wichita State University Hall of Fame on January 23rd, but there is one hurdle left to clear: The Speech.

“I’m already freaking out! I’ll probably write some stuff down. I can’t wing it, I’ll just go up there and forget words. So I’ll have to write some things down.”