The Senior Spotlight: Get to know Genesee Valley’s Elise & Emma Petrichick
ABOUT ELISE
Sports She Plays — Volleyball, Swimming, Softball
Favorite Sports Team (College or Pro) — Buffalo Sabres
Favorite Athlete (College or Pro) — Tiffany Clark, Wisconsin Volleyball
Favorite Road Venue to Play — Volleyball: Cuba-Rushford, Swimming: Campbell-Savona, Softball: Fillmore
Favorite School Subject — Ceramics
Her Go-To Song on her Playlist — Anything by Brett Eldridge
Favorite Movie — Rocky IV
Favorite TV Show — Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Meal — Pizza and Boneless Wings
Who she looks up to the most in life — Her cousin Jared, who plays football for Colgate
Something you may not know about her — She really wants to live in Las Vegas, hates frosting and could live off of soft-serve ice cream
LIFE AT HOME
How are you adjusting to school life at home?
Elise: “I have been extremely bored and stuck inside of my house because of this virus, and some snow that’s come here and there. But, I’m getting used to the online schooling.”
What have you been doing in your spare time to keep your mind occupied?
Elise: “I have been staying up super late on most nights doing some reading and painting, and then sleeping in way too late and doing it all over again.”
LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD
What are your future plans after high school?
Elise: “I will be attending Alfred State College to pursue a career in Veterinary Technology.”
What coaches have influenced you the most throughout your high school career? Why?
Elise: “Both of my volleyball coaches have influenced me more than I can possibly express. Coach (Darren) Bradt helped me start my career as the libero on the boys team, where I really learned to love the game. Then, Coach (Jake) Bannerman helped me finish my career where he taught me not only how to become successful in volleyball, but how to become a leader and someone that my teammates could come to for help. I can’t thank either of them enough for all they have done.”
How much has it meant to you to represent your school’s colors in the sports arena?
Elise: “I have loved every minute of having the chance to represent my school in all of the sports I play in. I would not have changed any of my experiences for anything different.”
What has been some of your favorite sports memories over the years in school?
Elise: “Some of my favorites are going to the Sectional Finals in my sophomore year of softball and making the All-Tournament team in Class D1. I also will remember being the Wegmans Athlete of the Month for Diving, for the school.”
What’s your farewell message to your underclassmen at your school?
Elise: “These will be some of the best and hardest years of your lives, but it will fly by, so don’t forget to enjoy each step of the way.”
ABOUT EMMA
Sports She Plays — Volleyball, Softball
Favorite Sports Team (College or Pro) — Wisconsin Volleyball, Washington Softball
Favorite Athlete (College or Pro) — Sis Bates, Washington Softball
Favorite Road Venue to Play — Fillmore
Favorite School Subject — Art
Her Go-To Song on her Playlist — Anything from the show “Glee”
Favorite Movie — Rocky IV/Burlesque
Favorite TV Show — Glee
Favorite Meal — Chinese food
Favorite Social Media Follow — NCAA Softball/NCAA Volleyball (@ncaasoftball, @ncaavolleyball)
Who she looks up to the most in life — Her sister, Elise.
“Even though we are the same age, we’ve always played sports together all through high school. Her drive and love for volleyball and softball inspire me to be the best player I can possibly be.”
Something you may not know about her — She is about three minutes older than her twin sister, Elise
LIFE AT HOME
How are you adjusting to school life at home?
Emma: “It has been a difficult process, but I am getting better at staying busy while managing my time, and my school work.”
What have you been doing in your spare time to keep your mind occupied?
Emma: “I’ve been doing a lot of exercising and working out with my sister. I also have spent some time cooking quite a bit, and watching some Disney+.”
LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD
What are your future plans after high school?
Emma: “I will be attending Nazareth College to pursue a career in the Business Management field. I will also be continuing my career in volleyball, and possibly softball.”
What coaches have influenced you the most throughout your high school career? Why?
Emma: “Our boys volleyball coach, Darren Bradt. He has always pushed me just as hard, if not, even harder than the boys on the team, even though I was just the manager. If it weren’t for him, I would not be anywhere near where I am today. Also my coach, Jake Bannerman. Before I played for him, I never thought I would be good enough to play in college, but he pushed me to be the best player I could be.”
How much has it meant to you to represent your school’s colors in the sports arena?
Emma: “It has been awesome wearing the school’s green, black and white on the court and on the field, and creating memories with my best friends. I couldn’t picture playing high school sports anywhere else around here.”
What has been some of your favorite sports memories over the years in school?
Emma: “One of my favorite memories is going to the Sectional Finals for softball in my sophomore year. I was named Allegany County MVP in volleyball this past season, and doing it all with my best friends.”
What’s your farewell message to your underclassmen at your school?
Emma: “Enjoy every day of high school no matter what, because you never know what could happen anymore.”
