That hard work is paying off in the form of a sterling legacy she will leave behind with Trinity Christian Academy’s athletic department — along with being one of the school’s top students academically.
“I played numerous sports starting at a young age, and academics are also very important to me and others in my family,” the Lady Eagles senior said.
Recently, Ickert reached a milestone by scoring the 2,500th point of her high school basketball career. She did so in the Rio Vista Tournament over the Christmas holidays.
“It was awesome to see my hard work come to fruition. I also loved celebrating with the TCA community,” Ickert said. “This would not have been possible without the support of my teammates and coaches.”
Ickert, who transferred with her sophomore sister Alex from Aledo while in junior high, also plays volleyball and softball.
“If I had to choose a favorite, I would say basketball,” she said, adding with a smile, “However, my favorite sport is usually the sport I am currently playing.”
Her lengthy list of accolades in sports at TCA includes:
Basketball: District Newcomer of the Year, first team all-district, second team Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools all-state.
Softball: First team all-district.
Basketball: First team all-district, second team TAPPS all-state.
Softball: First team all-district.
Volleyball: Team floor captain, TAPPS academic all-state, first team all-district.
Basketball: Team captain, TAPPS academic all-state, TAPPS second team all-state, district offensive MVP, first team all-district, Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-State.
Softball: Team captain, TAPPS academic all-state, TAPPS second team all-state, district defensive MVP, first team all-district.
Volleyball: Team floor captain, TAPPS academic all-state, TAPPS honorable mention all-state, first team all-district.
Throughout her high school career, the Lady Eagles have reached the playoffs in volleyball, basketball, and softball at least once. Her freshman and sophomore seasons, they advanced to the TAPPS 4A regional finals in basketball. Her junior season, they made it to the TAPPS 4A area finals in volleyball and softball.
In her senior volleyball season they reached the TAPPS 4A area finals.
Academically, Emily is also involved in the National Honor Society, student council, and the Student Mentor Leadership at TCA. Outside of school, she volunteers as an assistant teacher in children’s ministry at her church.
For the past two seasons, going on three, Emily has played alongside Alex in volleyball, basketball and softball.
“I have loved getting to play with Alex these past two years in all sports. In volleyball, she is a setter, while I am an outside hitter. It is fun to earn kills off of her sets,” Emily said. “In basketball, Alex is the point guard, and I am the shooting guard. We work well together on offense by working to get the other one open for a shot.
“In softball, Alex is a pitcher, and I am shortstop. I love getting to back her up in the infield while she pitches. We have been able to build chemistry on and off the court these past two years.
“We have not played on a team outside of TCA together due to our two-year age gap. However, growing up, we spent many hours practicing sports together in the backyard and driveway.”
Emily said Alex inspires her.
“While she looks up to me, it inspires me to work hard. I also admire her character,” Emily said. “We hold each other accountable in athletics, academics, and life by pushing each other to be our very best.”
Likewise, Alex said she has long found inspiration from her older sister.
“I have always looked up to Emily growing up. Playing together has been a blessing,” Alex said. “During practice, we are each other’s biggest competitors. We hold each other accountable. During games, we work together to get each other points.
Alex said that while she and Emily have always been close, playing high school sports together has strengthened their relationship. Both are relishing every moment of this, their final school year together.
“It is sad knowing that this is the last year to play alongside Emily. I have enjoyed every moment of high school sports with her, and I am excited to see what she will do in the next chapter,” Alex said.
Emily said she has the opportunity to play sports at the NCAA Division III level. However, she said she does not plan to pursue such a path.
“I have decided I want to attend a large university,” she said. “I am currently leaning towards Texas Tech University to major in biological systems engineering. After undergrad, I plan to attend medical school.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here