SHS senior signs with Indiana University Bloomington

SHS senior signs with Indiana University Bloomington
Posted on 05/17/2017

Scottsburg High School senior Emma Waskom recently signed as the newest member of the women’s rowing team at Indiana University Bloomington this fall. 

“I never dreamed I would play a Division I sport,” Waskom said. Indiana University is a member of the Big Ten Conference and a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college.

Before hearing about the rowing team at IU, Waskom was focused on playing volleyball at the collegiate level. She had a sports recruiting profile online that featured her volleyball statistics and her skills. She hoped her profile would attract the interest of college volleyball coach. However, it sparked the interest of the IU women’s rowing team coaching staff.

“I like the idea of being on a team and still being competitive,” said Waskom, who also played varsity basketball at SHS. “IU sent me an email, and we set up a visit.”

During her visit to Bloomington, Waskom learned about the rowing program and about the benefits of becoming a Division I athlete — priority in class scheduling, scholarship money, an academic advisor that works with the team, and a cafeteria that provides the nutrition that athletes need to succeed. All of this along with top-notch facilities — Indiana University has one of the largest strength and conditioning centers in the country for its student-athletes. 

“I enjoy working out, and they do a lot of that,” Waskom said about the rowing team. “I hope to learn how to take on new responsibilities.”

Not only will Waskom focus on being part of a new team in a sport that is new to her, she will also focus on her studies. The 4.0 grade-point-average, top-ranking senior will major in biochemistry or a pre-pharmacy related major at IU. She hopes to enter a pharmacy program upon completing her undergraduate degree.

“Never rule out the possibilities,” Waskom said with a smile.

Waskom is the first SHS student-athlete to sign with Indiana University in nearly 40 years. She is the second student-athlete in her graduating class to sign with a Division I college.

At Scott County School District 2, Waskom’s story is our story. Your story matters. You matter.