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The Emily Forrester Interview (Chambersburg, PA)

 

Name: Emily Forrester 

Hometown: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-2

Position: Power Forward/Small Forward

High School: Chambersburg (PA)

Graduation Class: 2027

AAU Club: Team Durant EYBL

Offers: Mount St. Mary's

Status: Uncommitted

CHAMBERSBURG, PA -- Emily Forrester is a 6-2 Power Forward from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She's an incoming freshman at Chambersburg Area Senior High School, and runs with Team Durant on Nike's EYBL circuit. Forrester is one of the top rising prospects in South Central Pennsylvania. 

I will admit it, I am a man of surprises with my work. I'm solely entering into marketing to bring awareness towards the stars or tomorrow, products and what's going on in the world. Having new talent to work with can be a gamble, but giving Forrester a chance to be in the spotlight, the decision was clear. 

For only being a little over a year of playing competitively, Forrester has begun to make huge strides in her game. Being active on the glass, showing her range with inside-out play, and playing unselfishly setting up teammates for looks, the young lady is learning more about the game day-by-day. Standing at 6-foot-2 as a 14 year old has its benefits, but with how Forrester motivates herself as a player, it’s impressive. Forrester told the RPN that she was tired of the criticism of "just being tall" with making certain teams. I love when kids are able to dig in deep and tune out criticism, and she proceeded to make adjustments in her game. Now running with Team Durant this summer, Forrester will be a nice addition to the Mid-Penn Conference and hopefully a bright spot for the Trojans' program. She has the chance to be a legit college prospect one day.

I caught up with the 2027 prospect in an interview on growing up in Chambersburg, joining the Team Durant program and preparation heading into high school.

Emily Forrester Interview
When did you first start playing basketball?
  • “I started playing basketball when I was in about fourth grade. I played in a church league with my friends. I didn’t start to fall in love with the game until about my seventh grade year. Since then everything has taken off.”

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.
  • “I would describe my game as a very versatile player. I exceed best in the post, but I have confidence to stretch my game, and also pass the ball around the court.” 

Which school will you be attending for your high school career?
  • “I will be attending Chambersburg Area Senior High School.” 

How was life growing up in Chambersburg?
  • "Growing up in a small town has its ups and downs for sure. I enjoy knowing a lot of people, and being able to see familiar faces anywhere I go. I live close to most of my friends, so I am able to hangout with them whenever. All of my family lives close as well, so I get to see them a lot too. Going to a big high school means that there will be a lot more competition. It will test my skills to see if I’m capable of playing at the varsity level."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
  • "Some things that will make my game a lot better is making my body stronger. Making myself flexible with doing yoga will for sure benefit me. I will continue to workout with my trainer, Tyler Stoner who has really made me become the player I am now."

You’ve recently accepted a spot on Team Durant for the upcoming offseason. Walk me through the process of joining the PG County based team.
  • "I was offered to go to the tryout because my really good friend's dad, Tony Bergeron. He has also been working out with me, and influenced me to go to the tryout. At the tryout session, they did not mess around. We had fun, but got to work and I learned so much at the tryout. At practices and games, the environment's energy from the coaches and players is unmatchable. The coaches explain things so well, and push every player to be their best. It is truly an amazing experience and I wouldn’t have wanted to play anywhere else. I have learned so much in such little time, and excited to see what I can learn in a whole summer!"

Who's your favorite basketball player and why?
  • "One player I really look up to is Angel Reese. She is a very talented player and with her energy, and how she pushes her teammates is what makes her and LSU so good. She is dominant in any position she plays, always keeps the game interesting, and has fun while playing. One thing that also really sticks out about her is she is not afraid to stand up for herself. That’s more important than anything, and she inspires me to be the same way."

Who would you consider your role models?
  • "I really am heavily influenced by my family. They are all so hard working, and they are willing to do whatever for anyone. That is how I want to be too. I am also really influenced by Jared McCain, who's going to Duke. I watch his YouTube videos all the time. How he uses the tools he has, and works so hard to be successful really sticks out to me."

You’re at the early stage of recruiting and picking up some steam. As people our thoughts can change over time, but what are some factors you think about when it comes to college recruitment?
  • "Some factors of recruiting I would consider are the coaches and environment. I believe when the environment is good and the players and coaches are good, it creates a workspace that will help me grow and learn. As far as academics are concerned, I’m not exactly sure which direction I want to go yet. But I believe that having a good academic program will help me in the future."

What are your expectations heading into your first high school season?
  • "An expectation I have for myself is to become a starter on varsity. This summer I’m going to work hard to get to that point. I also hope to average at least 10 points a game. I think overall as a team, I hope we figure each other out and possibly get some more wins under our belts. I’m going to do my best to bring energy, and help create a competitive and fun environment for the team." 

I know there are and will be some naysayers who will doubt you throughout your career. What is your message to any player battling criticism?
  • "My advice for anyone is to just believe in yourself. Your biggest competitor is yourself and once you believe you can do it, sky’s the limit. There will be many ups-and-downs for sure, but you can’t stay up forever. There will be plenty of struggles along the way, but it’s part of the process. People are going to have things to say about your game, or even just about you. A good player will use that to their advantage to push themselves to be better."

Thank you Emily for taking the time to talk with me this afternoon. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?
  • "You need to have an obsession with the game. Hard work beats talent at any time. I strongly believe that anything is possible, if you work hard for what you want. Thank you for having me!"

Emily Forrester - 2027

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Location: Chambersburg, PA, USA