For Orange Lutheran junior Emalynn Vong, basketball has always been part of her life. Her father played through high school, so Vong was introduced to the sport at an early age. She tried other sports, including playing volleyball for OLu as a freshman, but her heart has always been on the basketball court.
 
"I just love the sport," says Vong. "I love playing the game, I love the community and I love the friendships I've created with my teammates, even with the coaches. It's a great community."
 
Vong is serving as a captain this season, a role that she approaches by being there for her teammates in all aspects of life.
 
"For the team, I want us to have a strong bond with each other," says Vong. "Leadership to me is leading your teammates to be better, to better themselves, better the team, better everyone. Leadership is also being there for when your team needs you most, being there to help them with homework, life, anything."
 
As a sophomore transfer, Vong is in her second season with the program and can play both guard and forward for OLu. She is proud to be a Lancer and play for a school where the community and environment are so supportive. In her short time here, she has already made a positive impact on her teammates and coaches.
 
"Em is one of the best three-point shooters I've ever seen," says OLu girls basketball head coach Lindsay Charity. "She has amazing form from the perimeter, and she's also a force to be reckoned with in the paint. What truly sets Em apart, though, is her willingness to embrace the less glamorous aspects of the game. Whether it's battling for rebounds, sprinting back on defense, or finding an open teammate with an extra pass, she consistently puts the team's success as the priority. Her selflessness and unwavering team-first mentality make her an invaluable asset to our squad."
 
Vong and the Lancers are gearing up for the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs this week, set to take on Crean Lutheran on February 13. While Vong is no stranger to high-pressure moments in the sport, she also values the lessons basketball has taught her along the way.
 
"I would say most of my challenges are dealing with pressure," says Vong. "I have dealt with pressure in the past, and the way I overcome it is talking to someone about it, doing all these breathing exercises, visualizing and taking it step by step."
 
Vong's goals for her next steps include playing collegiate basketball while pursuing becoming a physical therapist. She enjoys watching the play of Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II, and she is grateful to have been teammates with Lancer alum Shea Joko '24, who set a strong example of leadership and determination, inspiring Vong to elevate her own game.
 
"I loved her leadership," says Vong of Joko. "I love that she was always there for us, and I love that she was like a second mom to me."
 
Vong is also grateful for the example set by her own mother, whose impact as a role model has shaped her work ethic, resilience and passion for the game, in every aspect of her life.
 
"She's a really strong, independent woman," says Vong of her mother. "She always gives great advice, and she's always been there for me whenever I need it."