For Livingston Academy guard Emma Poston, senior season is not just a farewell tour, but rather a time of establishing goals.
Poston said she looks to conclude her final year with two clear priorities: Establish the Lady Wildcats as one of the toughest defensive teams in the Upper Cumberland and leave a legacy her community can feel long after she is gone.
“The things people say just give us more motivation,” Poston said. “We share the ball really well as a team, where everybody’s looking to score where we don’t just have to say, one team’s shutting one person down, there’s other people that can do that as well.”
That balance, defensive grit paired with unselfish offense, reflects Poston’s own identity. A 5-foot-7 guard who can slide between point and shooting guard, she brings versatility and experience to a Livingston squad looking to advance past the region tournament.
Poston’s resume stretches beyond Overton County. Her next chapter involves continuing her academic and basketball career at Bryan College, where Poston said she plans to pursue a career in the medical field. But before college begins, Poston said she is focused on finishing what she started.
“My emotions right now are just pure joy,” Poston said. “I’m excited to get to go on and play.”
Her varsity journey has not been without challenges. At the end of her freshman season, Poston broke her hand, an early setback that tested her resilience. Instead of slowing her down, Poston said it sharpened her perspective.
This season has provided another defining moment. Just days after spraining her ankle and facing potential elimination, Poston poured in 24 points in the first round of the District 7AAA Tournament to keep Livingston’s season alive with a win over Cumberland County. The Lady Wildcats then lost in the district semifinals in a four-point loss to Stone Memorial, the eventual district champion. Poston said she looks to use this opportunity as a way to express herself on the court.
“I’m hoping to be more of a leader this year vocally and through my actions,” Poston said. “If I’m out there hustling every play, that everybody else builds off that and they give it their all as well.”
Poston said leadership extends beyond basketball. A member of National Honor Society, Beta Club and FCA, Poston said she wants her final few months to reflect the pride she has in representing Livingston Academy, not just through points, but through effort.
As the Lady Wildcats tip off their final month of the season, Poston said she looks to chase impact, and making sure that when her time at Livingston ends, there is no doubt she gave everything she had.