Student - Athlete Profile

Emma Russell                                                   

Birth date:  14/04/94

Where have you lived? California, London and Dublin

Primary school you attended: St Annes

Musical instruments you have played: Guitar

What have you been a part of since your first year in HCK secondary school?

Sport, Drama and being an Angel to new 1st years and currently a sports prefect.

What sports have you represented HCK in and what position did you play?

Hockey playing Midfield, netball, cross-country, tennis, basketball and summer athletics.

What do you believe are the keys to balancing academics and athletics?

Focus, time management and plenty of sleep.

What advice would you give to younger HCK students regarding playing sports at HCK:

Sport is a great way to get to know new people so get involved as much as you can throughout your time in Killiney. There’s nothing like being on a school team as it adds a whole new dimension to school life.

What advice would you give to students on how to affectively balance academics and athletics i.e. sports?

Organisation and time management are key to succeed in both athletics and academics.

What has been your greatest achievement academically?

My junior cert results

What is your greatest achievement in sports?

Representing Ireland in Hockey at U16 Europeans 2010 and U18 Europeans 2011, also representing Ireland in soccer at U15 level.

What is your most memorable moment in sports?

Beating Belgium to get to the U18 European Hockey Semi Finals in 2011

What is the highest level you have reached in sports?

Playing for my country in Hockey and Soccer

What is your greatest honor which you are most proud of in your life?

Making the Leinster team for the first time in 2009

When you are tired what motivates you to keep going?

The rewarding feeling you get when you put on an Irish jersey and sing the anthem before a game.

What is your favourite quote?

“An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets but with hope in his heart and dreams in his head” Emil Zatopek (runner)

What sporting legend is your idol and why?

Usain Bolt because he worked hard to get where he is and he composes himself so well under pressure and his ability to focus is super.

Who has inspired you the most in life and why?

My granddad because he always seems to have worked so hard. He is always so encouraging to all young people in the pursuit of their goals and he always seems to have the right answers.

Did you or are you currently achieving your goals at Holy Child Killiney, if so, what were/are they?

As I’m in 6th year, my goal is to balance my sport and my school work equally which I can find quite challenging 

If there was one thing you could change in this world what would it be? 

Equal opportunities for everyone in the world!

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