By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

When Ella Emmert was a child, there were three things she positively knew were true: She loved softball. She loved the University of Kentucky. And she wanted to go into healthcare for a career.

It made sense then, that as a high schooler, she committed to her dream school, where she was given the opportunity to play for the nationally ranked softball team (she’s a catcher) and major in Human Health Sciences (she’s on the pre-dental track).

“I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare as a career, and HHS gives me the opportunity to study both the scientific aspects of healthcare and the provider aspects of healthcare,” said the 20-year-old junior from Lexington.

With the spring softball season just around the corner, Emmert and her teammates are ready to make another run at the Women’s College World Series. The 25th-ranked Wildcats will take on UC Santa Barbara, as well as No. 3 Stanford, starting at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, in the San Diego Tournament in California.

We were able to catch up with Ella before she hopped the team plane to the West Coast, and we asked her about her sport, her studies and advice for others who want to slide down the same path.

Here’s 5 questions with … UK softball catcher, and HHS major, Ella Emmert:

1. Why did you choose HHS?

I love that I am able to learn about patient-centered healthcare, and incorporate my education into my professional career. 

2. Why did you choose UK?

I chose UK because it has always been my dream school growing up here in Lexington. The opportunity to play softball at the highest level, while receiving an incredible education, is something I could not pass up. 

3. How did you get interested in softball?

I started playing softball at 10 years old. I was in fifth grade, and the school sent home a flier to play rec-league softball, so I decided to sign up for fun. I ended up falling in love with the sport, and decided to do what I needed to do to play in college!

4. What should we expect from the team this year, and what are your personal athletic goals?

The goal is always the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, and the team has a strong focus on working hard and finishing strong. We are prepared and excited to put on a show for BBN this season and bring home the trophy! My goal this year is to stay focused, have fun, and contribute in any way I can to the success of the team and helping us get to the WCWS. 

5. What’s your favorite part about the academics here in CHS?

My favorite part about the academics in CHS is the focus on student success and preparation for my future as a healthcare professional.

BONUS: What advice would you give to others who may be interested in CHS?

If you are interested in CHS, I highly suggest you consider applying. The College of Health Sciences has offered me opportunities to learn about medical science and healthcare that I would not be able to find in other colleges.