as many people as possible is my mission as a believer. Playing sports gives me so many opportunities to do that. In baseball I have opportunities to talk to baserunners as I play first base, and in basketball I have a lot of opportunities to talk to the other player. I love the opportunities I get to share the gospel by telling others about Jesus, but living like Jesus would is the best way to show others how His love can change your life.”
Emery will now rely on that faith to try to lead a new group of Rebels.“ Last year’ s senior class was probably the most talented class that Riverside has ever had,” he said.“ They did everything: baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, bowling. We will for sure miss them on, and off the court. I expect our basketball team to still be extremely competitive, because we’ ve got a lot of guys that haven’ t had the chance to show what all they can do. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised at what we can do this year”
“ I understand what people are thinking, and they are correct about us losing a lot of talent,” Emery admitted.“ But what they don’ t see is the work that each and every one of these guys put in during the offseason. From the 6 AM workouts to staying in the gym for hours even after practice is over. It is important to prove those people wrong. But even more important than that is to prove to ourselves what we are capable of. My mindset has never changed. I’ m going to do anything and everything I possibly can to put our team in a better position to win.“
As for the spring, Emery believes in his team as much as he did a year ago.“ My expectations for the baseball team haven ' t changed any,” he explained.“ I realize that we’ re missing a few key pieces from last year, but I think that with the guys we have back, we have a real shot at another one this year. I expect Zain to have another awesome year, but I also expect Maddox Stone and Caden Cavazos to both have very impressive junior seasons. I’ m confident in how the guys that are new to the starting lineup will perform as well.”
Emery’ s favorite times as a Rebel have created a hunger to accomplish many more goals during his senior season.“ The most memorable moment is undoubtedly winning the state baseball championship last season,” he shared.“ Very few words are able to describe what that felt like. Unforgettable is one that seems to fit best. All of the hard work, not just last season, but our entire lives leading up to that moment. It was completely surreal, and nothing so far can compare.”
His faith has driven some personal goals that every teammate will appreciate.“ I mean, a state championship is always the goal, right?” he asked.“ My personal goal is to do everything I can to put us in the best position to do that. I also support the rest of the guys in doing the same. Being a good teammate isn’ t just cheering for them when they make a shot or get a hit. I’ m going to be there for them when they’ re down and struggling, and I’ m going help walk and work them through it. Doing this helps create a community among teammates, then we’ re motivated to get better for one another.
When it comes to how he wants to be remembered as his time as a Riverside Rebel winds down, it is no surprise that Tucker Emery’ s faith once again is of upmost importance.“ I want to be remembered as somebody who was humble enough to submit everything, both big and small, to the Lord,” he shared.“ He is the only reason I’ m here and I do not want to take any of His credit. I want to display the Holy Spirit living in me while I’ m on and off the courts and fields. I want to be remembered as somebody that lifted others up, somebody that helped make the ones around them better people and players. That is the impact and legacy that I want to leave behind.” Tucker Emery has had to lean on his faith in some tough times, and that faith is what he showcases every time he takes the field or runs out on the court. His time in the maroon and grey will end, whether it is at the bottom of another dogpile or hugging teammates and coaches is still to be determined. No matter the outcome, Tucker Emery has always played for a much higher purpose, and he can be proud knowing that his purpose has reached so many.