Leave it better than you found it.
It's the mantra that has driven Emma Inch's actions during her time as a Virginia Tech swimmer. But for Inch, "leaving it better" does not just refer to winning trophies or swimming record-breaking times.
Instead, it's about having a positive impact on everyone around her and making them feel valued.
Inch's passion for service is evidenced through her daily involvement. She advocates for the student-athlete voice as a vice president of SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), serves on the athletic department's Next Level Leadership team, volunteers with her team to serve the local community and assists with THRIVE, an athletics committee dedicated to supporting mental health progress.
As the heart and soul of Tech's athletes' student body, Inch can often be found striking up a friendly conversation with a stranger in the Student-Athlete Performance Center or hyping up a friend.
"I see myself as the type of person that I just want people to be comfortable around," Inch said. "I hope that if people are having a bad day, or just confused on life, they feel that they can come to me."
Belonging is important to Inch, because she didn't feel a sense of belonging when her previous school's swim team got cut.
Inch began her collegiate swimming career at Michigan State shortly before the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020. The pandemic's restrictions meant that she had little access to pools, felt isolated from teammates and lacked structure in her day – circumstances that took a toll on her mental health.
The hardest hit came the following year. As a result of the pandemic's financial burden, Michigan State's athletic administration decided to cut its men's and women's swimming and diving programs following the 2020-21 season.
There were still months left of the season when athletic director Bill Beekman delivered the heartbreaking news. Feeling numb and uncertain about her future, Inch decided to enter the transfer portal, which led her to Virginia Tech.
"Tech was actually the first Power Five school to reach out to me, and it meant so much," Inch said. "I really loved the way they were describing their team culture, and the coaches made me feel valued during a tough time."
Once she had met the coaching staff and toured campus, Inch's mind was made up. She committed to Tech in July 2021 and started in August.
It wasn't where she thought she'd be for the next few years, but Inch embraced the change and fully immersed herself in a new community. She joined clubs and stepped up as a leader on her team.
The outpour of support and genuine kindness exhibited by her teammates made the transition much easier.
"My team being cut was an unforeseen circumstance," Inch explained. "I still am upset that happened. But honestly, it's one of the best things that has happened in terms of changing the trajectory of my life because I know I'm where I'm meant to be. I've met so many incredible people here at Virginia Tech and I wouldn't change it."
The third day of the 2023 Men's NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships sticks out as a special team memory that demonstrates the team culture. Inch hosted a watch party to cheer for the Hokies that competed.
Everyone was huddled together and yelling at the TV when Youssef Ramadan won the 100 fly, marking the first-ever national title in program history.
"It was electrifying," Inch said. "To see this team not only take pride in individual accomplishments, but to genuinely tear up and get chills for another person's accomplishments, that's when I knew we have truly created something special here."
After graduating in May 2023 with a B.S. in Communication, Inch wasn't ready to leave the team that had become family. She decided to continue her swim and academic career by pursuing a M.S. in Leadership Studies.
Heading into her final semester at Tech, Inch is focused on supporting her team and trying to enjoy the journey.
"I'm always grateful to be here, because for a while, I didn't know if I could ever continue swimming after my program was cut," Inch said. "So, this year, I'm trying to appreciate where I am and spread the love with my teammates and my coaches."
Writing HERstory Campaign
Tech Athletics launched a multi-platform brand campaign celebrating the incredible achievements of its female student-athletes, both past and present, while inspiring the next generation of women who aspire to achieve their dreams through athletics. In partnership with Truist, Tech will share stories of its past and current female student-athletes over the course of the calendar year. Ranging from podcast interviews to feature stories and more, the incredible moments and achievements by women over the years in Virginia Tech Athletics will be celebrated. To make an impact on female sports at Tech or to sign up for the monthly Writing HERstory newsletter.