Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1531607
24 WAC Magazine | wac.net living fit meet the athlete / league basketball Meet the athlete Emma Duff Emma Duff grew up in Tumwater, where she began playing basketball at age 5 with her mom, Gigi. Emma played for Black Hills High School and Western Washington University, helping the Vikings to a conference championship, a regional championship, and a runner-up finish in the 2022 Division II national championship tournament. Emma played professionally in Germany for a year. She joined the WAC in November 2024, plays for the WAC women's basketball team, and works as an environmental specialist for the state Department of Ecology. Q. What were some of the most notable moments of your college career? A. Making it to the national championship game in 2022 as a senior. We started the year 10-0 before losing two point-guards to injury and having to find ways to win with a lot of new players. Q. How was your year in Germany? A. I played for KIA Metropol Baskets in Schwabach. It was a great way to learn about the world and about myself. I adapted to a new way of life. I'm so thankful I took that jump and have lifelong friends across the globe. Q. Your mom, Gigi Duff (née Gherke), was inducted into the Carroll College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. How did she influence you on and off the court? A. She coached all my recreational basketball teams and supported me in soball and volleyball, too! Now that I'm older I recognize how lucky I was to have parents who were in the stands for every game. Q. How has your WAC experience been so far? A. So much fun! I forgot how much I love the game. Now it's part of my everyday routine again. I've made new friends and reconnected with old teammates through the sport. Q. Are there any lessons you learned from basketball? A. Hard work and discipline. I'm able to bounce back and close the door on bad days. Q. Any advice for aspiring athletes? A. See the bigger picture. Sports take you to amazing places and give you opportunity if you work hard. But balance is important, and you have to be able to enjoy yourself outside of your sport. Registration for the spring basketball season is open now through February 7. The WAC offers a five-division men's league based on skill level and age. Games begin February 18 and run through May. All players are guaranteed seven regular season games, playoffs, and an end-of- season banquet. Price for the season is $90. For more information and to register, contact Athletic Programs Manager Darin Barr at dbarr@wac.net. The Club also puts together men's and women's traveling teams that include the best players. E M I L I O H U E R TA S u Member Emma Duff works for the state Department of Ecology and plays on the WAC women's basketball team. WAC BASKETBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION ON NOW