Upper Moreland's Wood to Play Basketball at Messiah

On Tuesday, April 14, 2023, Upper Moreland senior EmmyFaith Wood was recognized for committing to continue her basketball career at Messiah University. (Photos provided courtesy of Upper Moreland HS)

EmmyFaith Wood – Messiah University (Basketball)

Major: Undecided

Final list of colleges:  Messiah, Kutztown, East Stroudsburg

Reasons for choosing Messiah: “As I was deciding, I was looking for a program that was centered around honoring God in all that we do. I found a program that feels like a family and has the common goal of bringing glory to God. It’s a successful program that I’m excited to be a part of.”

What was the progression that led you to competing in basketball at the collegiate level? “It’s been a dream of mine forever to play college basketball, so it’s been a process working towards that over these past years through AAU basketball, the high school season and getting to work with a number of coaches, specifically coach Matt Carroll. It’s been a dream for a long time, and I’m thankful it’s come to fruition.”

Coach Matt Carroll says: I just completed my seventh year at Upper Moreland, and even though we have had some success, up until this year, I never had a player go on to play in college. My journey with EmmyFaith started well before high school, when I decided to be the sixth grade AAU coach for Fencor. EmmyFaith, whose sister was a freshman at Upper Moreland at the time, left the MA Magic to come play for me at Fencor, and seven years later became my first player to go on and play in college. EmmyFaith is one of the hardest workers I’ve coached. She knew she wasn’t going to be the tallest, fastest, or most athletic girl on the court, and it motivated her to work that much harder. The work paid dividends as she received first team all-league three times, helped win the SOL Freedom Division 3 times, surpassed 1,000 career points, and helped our program reach goals the program hasn’t seen in over two decades. What I appreciate most about EmmyFaith is the kind of teammate she is. She cares about everyone - her coaches, her teammates, the other team. She’s almost too nice (something I’ve told her plenty of times), but it’s what makes her special. I’m so glad she finally picked Messiah because it will challenge her as a basketball player while also continuing to strengthen the person she is. She’s going to do well, and if she doesn’t at first, she’s going to work harder than anybody until she does.”

About EmmyFaith:
Favorite food:
Biscoff Cookies
Favorite movie: Pride & Prejudice
Favorite artist: Lizzie McAlpine

 

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