Emma Wood assumes primary role in her secondary sport

Emma Wood has been the No. 1 pitcher on Matanzas High school’s softball team since she was a freshman.

Now she’s one of the top players on the volleyball team as well.

The outside hitter recorded a career-high 23 kills in the Pirates’ three game sweep of Mainland in a home match on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Heading into a Sept. 13 match at Seabreeze, she leads the 3-1 Pirates with 61 kills.

“She’s come into her own this year,” said Matanzas coach Julie Menendez. “She’s very coachable. If there’s something we suggest, she’s open to try it. She’s always trying to get better.”

Wood, a senior, has been playing softball since she was 7 years old. She has a couple of offers to continue her softball career in college.

She’s been playing volleyball since her freshman season and has gotten better each year.

“She loves it,” said her mother, Shelly Wood. “It gives her a little break from softball.”

“Volleyball is more intense and fast-pace,” Emma said. “It’s a lot more fun.”

Emma is a solid hitter in softball. She led the Pirates last season with a .424 batting average and six home runs. But she might be a better hitter in volleyball with a lightning-fast stroke.

“I’ve gotten way smarter with my hitting,” she said. “I’m looking for holes. If they’re playing me deep, I’ll tip it over. And I’m looking for corners.”

Emma is one of just four seniors on the team, but she feels like the team is clicking.

“I definitely think we jell better this year,” she said.