Get to know Rumson Fair Haven volleyball player Emersyn Freund
FAIR HAVEN, N.J. — Emmy Freund is the daughter of Lori and Olie Freund, the eldest sister to three younger siblings, a great friend to many, an intelligent student, a talented singer and dancer, and a natural athlete and volleyball player.
The Fair Haven community is one that people frequently cite as being the most amazing, charitable, and friendly place they could have asked for their children to grow up in; a Fair Haven resident, Emmy requires the selflessness, kindness, and consideration so many on and around the peninsula are acquainted with.
Her recent diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood, has made the need for a bone marrow donor critical. The chance of a donor match is approximately 1 out of every 220 people, making it imperative that anyone capable of signing up to be a donor does. Anyone in good health from ages 18 up to 55 and willing to help any patient in need, should the national donor network call upon them for a different person’s needs in the future, is urged to sign up.
Emmy began her freshman year at RFH last September, where she excelled in her studies, dancing, singing, and with her volleyball team. Her coaches, Calvin Williams and Mackenzie Hargrove, were impressed with her natural talent, and Emmy was looking forward to playing for a club team in the future.
“Emersyn joined the freshman girls’ volleyball team last summer and stood out immediately as a gifted athlete. My first impression of her was that she was a poised and self-confident individual whose kinetic balance and athleticism could thrive in this sport as she developed her volleyball acumen,” Calvin Williams shared. “Decision-making is a crucial skill in volleyball, and Emersyn’s ability to make immediate decisions on the court was indicative of what I was seeing. Emersyn is a naturally gifted athlete and it is my sincere hope she will be back with her teammates in the near future.”
“This was my first year coaching freshman girls volleyball, and what made the whole experience so unique is that, outside of playing in gym class or on the beach with friends, the incoming girls had very little exposure to the sport. They came to us as a blank slate. When Emersyn joined our program, we could tell she was a natural-born athlete who would become a valuable player on the team. She quickly picked up the necessary skills and was one of the first freshmen to do an overhand serve during the game,” shared Mackenzie Hargrove.
Emmy’s positive attitude and sportsmanship helped enhance her success with the team, including in her relationships with teammates, friends, coaches, and the sport itself.
“As an athlete, Emmy is intentional and determined. She works hard and is always willing to put in the work. I know she has been a dancer for quite some time, so that might also account for the endurance and strength she has. It might also explain why I would always catch her showing off her moves during warmups or as part of a celebration cheer. It came as no surprise that the girls on the team gravitated toward her and her positive energy,” Hargroves recounted. “Her grit and determination speak to her character, and she was a clear leader on the team. I am so proud of everything they accomplished and the season we had.”
If you are able to help Emmy get back on the court and back to doing what she loves as soon as possible, sign up to test if you’re a donor match by texting EMMYSTRONGNJ to 61474.
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