See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior captain Emma Hanson of the Chaska Girls Volleyball team.)
When did you know volleyball was going to be “your sport?”
Coming to youth camps when I was little and watching varsity or college volleyball games, I realized how much I loved the game and always wanted to be playing volleyball. Also, I realized how much I looked up to them, and that’s when I knew it was going to be my sport.
You’ve been a regular in the middle blocker/hitter position for Chaska for some time. How does that role differ from other positions on the floor?
Being a middle blocker differs from other positions on the floor because it’s so much more than just being a shutdown blocker or getting big kills. Every little thing you do when you’re not touching the ball helps benefit the team. Whether it’s getting a block touch to slow the ball down for your team or approaching hard to pull your block so your teammates have a 1-on-1 block, it all makes the game easier for the team.
What has been your favorite memory of playing with the Hawks volleyball program so far?
My favorite memory was beating Marshall in three sets last year at the Southwest MN Challenge Tourney. My other favorite memories are spending time all season together in the locker room, at pasta dinners, and during team bonding!
Next year, you will head to Eastern Illinois University on a volleyball scholarship. What most excites you about being a Panther?
What excites me most about being a Panther is becoming a part of a team with such a strong, family culture, and an amazing coaching staff. This program is so special, and I am so excited to play for a team and program that plays as one and has so much potential to go very far.
Your brother Myles was also a Division I athlete and one of Chaska’s all-time best basketball players. What advice has he given you for your senior year and beyond?
Myles has been my biggest supporter all my life, but especially my senior year. His advice to me is this: “Never be afraid to seize the moment, Em. Hindsight is always 20/20 and you’ll never be perfect, but do not let that stop you from trying to make the most of every opportunity that you’re presented. But more than that, always stay true to yourself, who you are, and don’t let anyone steer your ship. Be unapologetically you and you will have success in ways you can’t even imagine, at this point in your journey.”
Who have been your biggest volleyball role models over the years?
The person who I looked up to most over the years is probably Madisen Skinner. The way she plays with such joy and passion, while leading her team with grace yet being a monster player, is so inspiring and growing up I always wanted to play and be like her.
What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
Being a team captain is an extreme honor, and I am so blessed and grateful that my team looks up to me. Being a captain also means that not only do I have the responsibility to lead with my voice, but more importantly with my actions. It means leading by example through thick and thin — never putting myself, or anyone else above the team.
(The Hawks Girls volleyball team travels to Wayzata and Orono on back-to-back nights, Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 30, with both matches starting at 7 p.m. Their next home game is Thursday, Oct. 2, against Southwest Christian, starting at 7 p.m.)
