Emma Callahan

Banner graphics/TRENT SCOTT

Emma is a senior at Greencastle and plays two sports: golf and tennis. She is the daughter of Tom and Michelle Boler.

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Banner graphic: How important is sport for you and what have you learned from it?

Emma Callahan: “Both sports are important to me. Tennis is more of a friendly or social sport, whereas with golf I’ve learned that if you have a bad hole, you can’t let it affect the rest of your game. If that happens, it ruins the rest of the round. I’ve also learned patience and learned to shake things off. Sometimes I find it hard to let go and clear my head.”

BG: Tell us about your sport.

EC: “I’ve been playing since my freshman year and have taken courses for both. I’ve taught a few courses for St. Mary-of-the-Woods, with golf being my main sport.”

BG: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you while playing sports?

EC: “I once hit my coach’s car with a shot.”

BG: What is your game day routine?

EC: “I go home, put on my uniform, go to the golf course, listen to some music before stretching, practice my swings and take some time to clear my head. I putt, hit a few more shots and go out.”

BG: Do you have any favorite college/professional sports teams or athletes that you follow?

EC: I used to watch Serena Williams tennis.”

BG: You were runner-up at the World Cup last year, but you have been playing without a team for the last few years. Although it was disappointing, what did you do during that time to focus on your own game?

EC: “It’s different because as a freshman I came on a team with nine players, so it didn’t matter because there were fewer. Now, even though my score counts right now because we don’t have a full team, I take it as seriously as if it matters. It’s annoying not being able to qualify as a team, but at Sectionals, individual players can advance, so for me it’s a chance to advance even though I’m focusing on myself during the season.”

BG: What else do you do at school besides sports?

EC: “I hang out with friends during the day.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

EC: “I like animals and have done volunteer work at the animal shelter, which I plan to do more of throughout the year. I also have animals of my own at home. I like listening to music, hanging out with friends, playing golf, or just walking. I like doing everything with friends, including shopping.”

BG: What was the last book you read?

EC: “I think it was ‘If He Had Been With Me’.”

BG: …the last TV show/movie you saw?

EC: “On TV it was ‘Criminal Minds’ and the last movie was ‘Me Before You’.”

BG: …the last song you had to hear at that moment?

EC: “’I Love You, I’m Sorry’ by Gracie Abrams.”

BG: Your training/event has been cancelled for the evening. What will you do now that you have free time that you weren’t expecting?

EC: “Go home, see if I had any homework, talk to my mom and then hang out with my friends.”

BG: What have you never done but would like to do one day?

EC: “Get out of the US, preferably to Italy.”

BG: What is your biggest fear?

EC: “Open water or middle of the ocean.”

BG: You are in charge of preparing dinner. What is on the menu?

EC: “I’ll probably make a burger with fries and salad.”

BG: Do you have pets?

EC: “I have three dogs, all Labradors, named Abby, Daisy and Hank, and two cats, Pat and Lucky.”

BG: If your house was on fire, all living things were already outside, and you had your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse, etc., what would you go back and get?

EC: “My stuffed animal from childhood.”

BG: A family member has won the lottery. After everything is paid off and money is saved for the future, you are asked to buy something you have always wanted. What do you wish for?

EC: “A trip to Hawaii.”

BG: If you had to describe your personality in one word, what would it be and why?

EC: “Excited. I try to stay optimistic and excited, because why not?

BG: What was your favorite place to visit?

EC: “When we went on a cruise, we went to the Bahamas. It was really beautiful.”

BG: What was your best school trip?

EC: “We went to the Wonder Lab in fourth grade. It was unforgettable.”

BG: How important is the support of those around you for your success?

EC: “My mom and dad always encouraged me to play golf and tennis. My mom took me to visit college in the summer and she strives for me to be successful. I have a big family with seven siblings who inspire me every day to do my best.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience, both academically and athletically.

EC: “High school was pretty nice. Construction and COVID were an issue, but I had a good education with good teachers and lots of opportunities with Area 30 and Ivy Tech. Athletically, more support from the school would be nice. Golf doesn’t get as much attention as it should because of the number of players and the length of time, but Mr. Greenlee comes to our games.”

BG: If your school offered a subject that is not currently offered, what would you like to see taught there?

EC: “Another language. We have Spanish, French and Latin. Maybe Mandarin or something like that.”

BG: What are your plans after high school and what career path do you aspire to?

EC: “I want to go to college. I’ve looked at a few and I’m not sure where yet, but I want to go into business, probably marketing, but business is very diverse and sticking to one thing never works.”

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with school as an athlete?

EC: “Sometimes, especially at away games. If it’s online, it doesn’t work so well to do it on the bus.”

BG: Which courses and teachers helped you the most in high school?

EC: “Even though I have only been taking her classes for two years, Mrs. Berry always checks in with me and asks if I am having a good day.”

BG: If you had the choice in the future, once you are established, would you want to live in the mountains, on the beach or in the neighborhood?

EC: “I have two ideas, but I want to live in the city in an apartment that is not too small, but not too big that I don’t know what to do with most of the space. It should be a nice building with windows overlooking the city, somewhere between the third and fifth floors.”

BG: Do you think high school went by quickly and will you miss it?

EC: “Yes and no. It’s over quickly, or rather, it passes quickly when you look back, but not at all at the moment. I will miss my friends and my family, but there are many other things I don’t miss.”