Emily Vickers is a rising sophomore volleyball player that is majoring in math and science making a stand-out impact with her court play. In her first year here at Delta she put up stats of 1.29 kills per set, 1.98 hitting percent 2.43 digs per set.
After a stellar high school career and a very impressive first year at Delta, Vickers and the Mustangs have started the season hot with a 12-1 start. So far this season Vickers has put up numbers of 3.58 kills per set, 2.88 hitting percent and 2.61 digs per set. Right now she is leading Delta with 136 kills as well as second in digs with 99.
Vickers has done so well recently even got the attention of the state and became one of the examples of how to lead a team here. With the Mustangs hot start the girls opened up the season with 9 game winning streak beating teams American River, De Anza and Taft most recently.
In early September, Vickers was named as one of two All Tournament players for the Delta Classic Tournament. Teammate Kyra Saiers also earned the distinction. Out of all of the teams that played the best players in the tournament are put on a performance team.
The hard work is leading to a roll of wins as the Mustangs head into a two game away run with one stop at home during this time. Where the schedule looks like Diablo Valley, American River and Sierra.
In week three of the volleyball season Vickers’s recognition as State Player of the Week which covers the entire state of California. They serve as both a confidence booster and a reminder of the competitive nature of college volleyball. “State Player of the Week is confidence boosting but me and my team know we have to still be working hard and that everyone we play is going to play us at their best,” Vikers said.
She said her volleyball journey started in the fifth grade. She played seven years of club volleyball as well as in high school at Escalon High School, where the Cougars made it to section three times during her tenure with the team.
That success as well as the high level of competition meant for a smooth transition to college-level play. “Having 11 freshmen last year created a learning environment where we could all grow together,” Vickers said. Also help a big part for team development.
Vickers credits her impactful play last season, as well as her stint on the college’s beach volleyball team, with helping increase her vertical and overall agility. When asked about changing the culture here at Delta”I think Delta has always had a winning Culture me and my team want to expand on that put our best foot forward.” Vickers says.
Vickers was inspired by her older sister Kylee Vickers and the success she has a reason to join the Mustangs.
“My sister’s time at Delta in 2017 was a major influence on my decision to come here. Delta’s program has a reputation for excellence, and I wanted to be a part of that,” she said.
Delta’s program as well as the coaching prestige of Head Coach Molly Hummel known as one of the best around at what she does in the coaching game played a heavy role in the decision.
Vickers has made strides this season particularly in the front row where she said she is an undersized hitter whose enhanced ability to play in high-pressure situations has been crucial for Delta recently. In a game against Lassen Community College on Sept. 11, 2024. Vickers racked up 10 kills against Lassen Cougars.
Vickers and her team are determined to build on previous achievements. Vickers values her teammates deeply, noting that their support is a key factor in her enjoyment and success.
“My teammates are my best friends both on and off the court. We push each other to be our best,” she said. “My favorite part about Delta is definitely my teammates. I love them so much and they make coming to practice so easy,” she said.
This supportive environment, coupled with the guidance of Hummel, has been instrumental in her growth, she said.
When asked about the support of the fans at Delta “We appreciate them coming to the games we depend on their energy and we love them,” Vickers said.
