One of the area’s most decorated three-sport athletes is officially an Evangel Crusader. Crane senior Emma Lander signed her national letter of intent Friday afternoon to play volleyball and run track at the NAIA school.
“It was amazing,” said Lander. “I’ve been dreaming about it for a long, so to finally take the first step to doing it was really cool.”
The reigning Class 2 Basketball Player of the Year received interest from a half dozen NCAA-II schools to play both basketball and volleyball, but ultimately Lander chose Evangel for more than just athletics.
“It came down to being able to do more things,” said Lander, who was named SWCL Volleyball Player of the Year last fall. “Basketball takes up a lot more time. Not that I love it any less. I’m really going to miss it. Volleyball allows me to be with family more.”
Lander suffered a knee injury during a game against Purdy on Dec. 21, knocking her out for the rest of the season. The 5’11” forward was a major reason for Crane’s three straight state basketball championships, and while she won’t be able to help the Lady Pirates on the floor she continues to support them off the floor.
"I’m just the biggest cheerleader, a coach when I can be, but most of all I’m their teammate to push them and encourage them and be there when they need it.”
Also a multiple-time state champion jumper, Lander plans to run track at Evangel, but will not be able to defend her titles this spring as her surgery is scheduled for Friday. Her doctor says she should be ready to go by August.
Lander and her five senior basketball teammates will be honored for Senior Night Thursday prior to their non-conference home game against Ash Grove.
“For us seniors we’ve been playing together for a long time, so to go out on a good note would be really cool.”
Lander is the two-time consecutive "1 Awards" Female Athlete of the Year.
