SHAWNEE – Redshirt senior
Emily Griffith of Parker, Colo. came to OBU from New Mexico and is geared up to get another season going very soon. We caught up with Emily in the fourth edition of Bison Profile.
What other institutions recruited you out of high school or junior college and why did you choose OBU?
"I was recruited by and went to the University of New Mexico before attending OBU. I was also recruited by Creighton University and a few other Division I schools right out of high school. When I chose to transfer after my first semester at UNM, I looked at Division 2 schools and OBU was very interested in me. I chose to go to OBU because many of my family members had attended the school and my brother was attending at the time. I also chose OBU because of financial reasons and ultimately I liked the coaching staff at OBU and the environment. "
Describe your love for the sport of soccer.
"I have played soccer for about 19 years. I love soccer and am so thankful I was able to play at the college level. Staying for my fifth year was the best decision I made even though our fall 2020 season got postponed to the spring due to COVID. I have recently switched my position from goalkeeper to a field player and I have experienced a new love for the game. I enjoy showing up everyday for practice and competing. My sport has brought me amazing friends and mentors in my life. I love to compete and be a leader and the sport of soccer has given me an opportunity to do both. "
What is your favorite memory from playing soccer?
"I have two favorite memories from competing in my sport. The first was my sophomore year when I was in goal for the penalty kick shoot out in the semifinal game against Ouachita Baptist. It was my 21st birthday and my mom was there watching me from Colorado on our home field and all my friends were also there supporting me. We were tied 0-0 and went into PKs and I saved the last shot to put us ahead where we eventually won. This moment was insane! Everyone stormed the field and dog piled onto the team. We went on to the championship and won that as well. The second favorite memory was my junior year when I got the chance to play field for the first time at the college level. When I went into the game I scored my first collegiate goal within 30 seconds of being in the game. My coach couldn't believe it, my team was surprised, and I was stunned. "
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
"Both of my sisters have been the biggest influence in my life. My sisters Rachel and Shannon both attended OBU. They are my biggest fan, my best friends, my life coaches and leaders."
Who is your all-time favorite athlete and why?
"Michael Jordan is my favorite athlete because even though he got cut from his high school basketball team, he never gave up. He continued to work and get better and prove the others that didn't believe in him wrong. He was hard working, determined, and a leader. "
What's your favorite pre-game meal?
"My favorite pregame meal is pasta with white sauce and chicken. I like to have bread with my meal and lots of water the night before."
What is your spirit animal and why?
"I am a bear because I am strong and powerful. I am sensitive and I enjoy the outdoors. I am intuitive."
What is your favorite pump up song?
"I do not have a favorite pump up song. I am not very particular about music. I do enjoy 2000 pop throwbacks though."
