In the fall, Emily Fisher, a junior at Ragsdale High School, made history as one of the first student-athletes to play on North Carolina’s first girls’ flag football team, a program launched by a group of schools across Guilford and Winston-Salem/Forsyth. Emily plays other sports as well, including swimming and volleyball. She is the definition of a true athlete, balancing school, sports, and life, and succeeding in all of these areas. Emily exemplifies the importance of trying new things and seizing opportunities when they arise.

This year marked the inaugural season for girls’ flag football, which was a very special year for Ragsdale High School and the other 17 all-girls teams that participated. Emily was excited to be part of the flag football team the moment she heard about it. Her enthusiasm and dedication were evident throughout the season, earning her Athlete of the Week honors for scoring three touchdowns in a single game.

During the season, Emily played a vital role in the team’s dynamic. Whether learning plays during practices or bonding with her teammates, Emily enjoyed every moment. She played cornerback on defense and also played wide receiver. Emily said she enjoyed playing wide receiver more than cornerback because of the thrill of trying to score. The coaches were very supportive and created a comfortable environment for all the players. The supportive atmosphere created by the coaches, including her art teacher, made the experience even more memorable. Ragsdale made it to the semifinals of the playoffs, where they lost to Western Guilford. Despite the loss, Emily’s team is looking forward to winning the championship next season.

Emily’s dedication is also reflected in how she balances the demands of sports with her academic pursuits. At the moment, Emily is taking three AP courses at Ragsdale High School and maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. She has always taken her studies seriously, focusing on her remarkable time management skills. Her daily routine begins at 6 a.m., depending on the day and whether she has swim practice in the morning. She tries to split her schoolwork into two halves, completing some in the morning and the rest during the day. Emily sits at Starbucks in the morning to wrap up her schoolwork before school starts. This strategic approach allows her to balance academics with her athletic commitments while leaving time for relaxation and personal interests. In her free time, Emily enjoys painting, drawing, and reading thriller novels. All these activities help her maintain a true balance in her busy schedule.

While Emily has excelled in flag football, she has many aspirations that extend beyond the field. She dreams of pursuing a career in structural design, whether as an architect or in interior design. Her experience in sports has taught her the important values of collaboration and perseverance, which will serve her well in her future endeavors.

Emily Fisher is the embodiment of courage, determination, and a trailblazing spirit. She serves as a role model to those around her as she continues to excel both academically and athletically. Whether on the field or designing the structures of tomorrow, Emily is determined to make a lasting impact.