July 17, 2009

By Amy Beggin
UNM Media Relations

Although she stands at 6-5, new lobo freshman Emily Stark is constantly looking up. This hard working, athletic, never-give-up post player could be what the Lobo women's basketball squad needs this year. She is continuing to develop her strength like current post players Valerie Kast and Jessica Kielpinski. She is quick and although she is not as experienced, she is willing to learn. These traits could make Stark a valuable player this year for the Lobos.

Who: Emily Stark
Height: 6-5
Position: Post
High School: Highlands Ranch High School
Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Trivia: Favorite movie: Remember the Titans; Classes taken this summer: Music Appreciation and Sociology; Dream travel destination: Greece or Italy.

There is something special about players who always believe they can win; who are fighting as hard, down by 10 with a minute left, as they were at opening tip-off. Those types of players make a team better. Stark has the potential to be that type of player. An athletic, 6-5 post player, Stark has an uncanny willingness to want to succeed. Her competitiveness and her passion started when she was young.

"In Colorado, I started playing basketball in a second grade league," said Stark. "We were absolutely awful. If we scored, it was a miracle, but I still had fun, so I kept playing basketball."

Stark had a little more success in her high school career. She transferred to Highlands Ranch High School her senior year where she averaged 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per game in helping lead her team to a 25-3 record and a final four appearance in the Colorado State Basketball Tournament. Stark also played volleyball and was on the track team in high school. Highlands Ranch is considered to be one of the top high school programs in the state of Colorado.

So what does Stark want to bring to this year's Lobos squad? "Athleticism in the post. I may not be as strong, but I am quick." She added, "I want to bring a never-give-up attitude."

It is that never-give-up attitude that is going to help Stark be successful.

"I am excited to compete at a high level of play and to have a chance to go to the tournament." said Stark. "My dream moment would be an upset in the NCAA tournament, to beat a team that was supposed to beat you, when it really counts."

But through her competitiveness and her willingness to improve, Stark is a quiet, down-to-earth type kid. She recalled, "Our first Friday night as freshmen, we didn't have anything to do, so we played poker with Cheerios." She laughed, "We made friends after that."

Off the court, Stark likes to eat, shop and hang out with the other freshmen, who are also her roommates. Stark went home at the end of the four week summer session to be with her family and friends, but is excited to come back and start this year.

"I love my roommates," said Stark. "They are wonderful. I also learned more about myself. It was hard but I know I am surrounded by really good people. I know we can do it."

What else would you expect to hear from a 6-5 post who is already looking up?

Continue to check www.golobos.com for more feature stories on the UNM women's basketball team.

Lobos Women's Basketball

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