NATASHA WONG

As Emily Humbert enters her fourth year of kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, she is preparing for more than just midterms this October with volleyball season quickly approaching. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Humbert began playing volleyball in high school at Aden Bowman Collegiate and has been training ever since.

Being in her fourth year, Humbert understands she is one of the more experienced players on the team but doesn’t let the pressure get to her.

“It’s basically just doing what I’ve been doing for the past couple of years, but also understanding that you’re now one of the older players that people look to you for work ethic and for questions or advice on the court,” Humbert said.

Although volleyball training occurs almost daily and increases when the season starts, Humbert has learned how to properly manage her time.

“Being on a team helps you learn about time management and how important it is to just understand that you really have to have your day planner going all the time. It’s difficult, but it’s doable and by the fourth year, I think I’m starting to get a hang of things,” Humbert said.

In her free time, Humbert likes hanging out with her teammates, spending time with her family — which she considers very important — and reading a good book. She aspires to be a high school teacher, but also would love to keep playing volleyball as long as she can, either at a higher level or in a recreational league.

Humbert relishes spending time with her teammates and although the team may not have experienced the greatest successes the past few seasons, she is hopeful that the team is on the right track towards getting back to the top of the standings.

“[They are] willing to work hard everyday and are excited to be here and to put in time in the gym,” she said.

The women’s volleyball team also introduced new head coach Mark Dodds in 2015, who used to represent the Huskies as well as the Canadian national team. Humbert thinks that Dodds has definitely brought something new to the table and is excited to continue helping the team improve. With many hours of training clocked weekly, the team is working harder than ever to make playoffs and hopefully become Canada West champions.

Humbert has also earned a reputation for being one of the key players on the team with the experience and the ability to help bring out the best in her teammates. Although she considers herself a veteran player, her passion and commitment to the sport and her team are far from running dry.

She highlights how the support from her teammates keeps her going and how the team constantly encourages each other, while at the same time fostering a high sense of competitiveness in order to improve as a team — which in turn molds and trains each other to become better players.

Even after a couple of tough years, Humbert is proud to represent the Huskies.

“There is no better feeling than walking into an opponent’s gym with your U of S sweater on. It’s a special moment and I still get the chills every time. It’s really great.”