FAMILY … Swanton’s Emma Crow signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Otterbein University to continue her hoops career. Shown with Crow at her signing day are front – Jake Crow (brother), Emma Crow, Sue Snedaker (grandmother). Back – Mark Crow (father), Shandi Crow (mother).
By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
SWANTON – On Saturday, February 10, 2024, Swanton Lady Bulldog senior hoopster Emma Crow signed a National Letter of Intent to further her education and continue her basketball career at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.
“When looking to further your athletic career at the collegiate level, especially Division III, you have to focus on the academic side of things. I take my academics very seriously”, explained Crow.
“Not only is Otterbein’s location amazing, being so close to Ohio State and downtown Columbus, they also have an esteemed health science program. I fell in love with Otterbein on my first visit. The campus is beautiful, and Otterbein offers a world-class education.”
“Then there was Coach Noles and Assistant Coach Lo. They traveled over three hours to watch me play one game and then made the three hour trip home, and it showed me the lengths they go to support their athletes”, she continued.
“I love the distance that Otterbein is from home, and I love the student to teacher ratio. Not just being a number in my classes but having personal relationships with my professors really appeals to me! I am most importantly excited about the change of scenery, going from a small town like Swanton to a “big city.”
For Crow, after the summer AAU season, she had doubts that a collegiate career was going to happen. “In July after an unsuccessful AAU season, I had thought that after my senior season at Swanton, my basketball career would be over. My dreams of playing at the collegiate level, since I was a little girl, would be cut short. And I thought the hundreds of hours I put into this game would become pointless”, she stated.
“Then, a friend of mine randomly asked me to play for them at some small tournament in Michigan where I had a conversation with my first college coach. After that, my confidence, my fire, and my passions came back.”
“I was sending out highlights, videos, and emails to a million coaches. Some responded, some didn’t. The rejection was the hardest. I unfortunately was late to the recruiting field. I had a bunch of phone calls and went on a bunch of official visits.”
“After my first, offers kept rolling in. Nine offers later, and with my senior season starting, I decided to cap my recruiting at the schools I’d been in contact with.”
“I made it very clear to every coach that I did not want to commit until the end of basketball season. I wanted this my last high school season to be my only focus. It feels so amazing as a player to know how appreciated and wanted you are by college coaches.”
“Throughout the last couple of months, after numerous conversations with my parents, I was able to narrow my list down to two, and now with just a few games left I am so excited to sign!”
“I know the little girl, who only picked up a basketball because all her friends did, would be so proud of me.”
Outside of athletics, she is the salutatorian for the Class of 2024, a four-year member of the honor roll, winner of the Presidential Award and maintains a 4.5 GPA.
She is also involved with Youth Leadership toledo (YLT), Swanton Area Community Coalition (SACC/SEED), National Honors Society, Student Council , Swanton Rotary’s Interact, Show Choir, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), Youth in Philanthropy Encouraging Excellence (YIPPIE), and Business Professionals of America (BPA).
“I would love to be able to share some advice with others looking to continue their athletic career at the next level”, Crow began in closing.
“A little over 7% of high school athletes get the chance to play in college. Whether it is community college, NAIA, or Division I be proud that your hard work is noticed and embrace the opportunity.”
“Get your name out there. Do not be afraid to constantly email coaches your highlights and keep in constant contact. Do not feel pressured into committing to a school that does not fit you.”
“Remember you are a STUDENT athlete and that your academics come first. Make sure that whatever school you choose aligns with your values. Do not be afraid to ask coaches the hard questions and always ASK FOR MORE MONEY!