The No. 15 Virginia Tech softball team has been dominating the 2024 season, boasting a five-game winning streak and a 3-0 conference record following a series sweep against Notre Dame last weekend in Blacksburg. At the center of its success is junior pitcher Emma Lemley.
Lemley arrived at Tech from Jefferson Forest High School with significant recognition, ranked as the No. 30 overall recruit in the class of 2021 by Extra Inning Softball. She earned the title of USSSA All-American and was a three-time USA Softball state champion. In her debut season as a Hokie, she quickly made her mark, earning 2022 ACC Freshman of the Year and a spot on the All-ACC First Team.
"ACC Freshman of the Year was a big award for me, I didn't really have any expectations for myself coming into that first season," Lemley reflected. "Receiving that award, it really meant a lot to me that people recognized all the hard work I had put in during the Fall."
Since then, Lemley has continued to excel in the Hokies' program, securing three ACC Pitcher of the Week honors in 2023 alone. Overall, last season the pitcher appeared in 41 games for the Hokies, throwing 23 complete games with four shutouts. She led the team with 212.2 innings pitched, recording 283 strikeouts to finish third nationally and first in the ACC. Lemley enters this season with high hopes, as Virginia Tech is the third-highest ACC team ranked nationally.
"A team goal that we set is to win an ACC championship this year. We have a lot of talent on this team, and I think we've set our goals high because we believe in ourselves," Lemley stated.
The Forest, Virginia native continued to demonstrate her skill on the mound, starting the 2024 season with success. She secured the save against Illinois State, tallying six strikeouts and conceding no runs through three innings. Additionally, she delivered six shutout innings against Dartmouth, striking out nine batters. Her performances to start the season showcase her growth and experience as a third-year member of the team, as she has assumed a leadership role, aiming to help her teammates both on and off the field.
"Last year I had to take on a bigger role pitching. Now as an upperclassman, I think people look to me more as a voice," she explained.
In pursuit of the team's goals, Lemley took on a pivotal role in fostering camaraderie within the team, specifically with the bullpen.
"Our bullpen is very close, and we've been pretty close since the beginning," Lemley said. "It's letting them know that, yes, we are competing for playing time, but we are here to help each other and I'm always willing to help them out."
The pitcher's connection with the team extends past the bullpen, as she recounted her favorite memory with the team was a bonding trip this past September.
"They took our phones away from us and we were in the woods in the middle of nowhere." Lemley recounted. "Honestly I think we bonded in ways they didn't expect, we had a karaoke mic and played karaoke games and it was just really fun."
Lemley's dedication is further evident in her collaboration with the coaching staff to enhance both her mental game and physical performance. This includes working closely with assistant coach Josh Johnson, who helps develop the junior's pitching through visualization drills and meditation. In addition, she emphasized the support system the coaching staff provides beyond the field.
"Our coaches really do take care of us, and they make sure we have all the resources to excel," Lemley remarked. "We have our team psychologist available to meet with if we have any concerns regarding our mental well-being, and our nutritionist ensures that we are always fueled to make it through long practices."
As Lemley continues to leave her mark on the Virginia Tech softball program, her dedication, leadership and camaraderie set a standard for success both on and off the field. With her unwavering commitment and the support of her teammates and coaching staff, the future holds endless opportunities for the talented pitcher and the Hokies.
There are plenty of opportunities to catch Lemley in action as the Hokies host ACC rival Pitt at Tech Softball Park in a series that extends from Friday, Mar. 15 to 17. Admission is free for all attendees.