By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

Emily Howlett's game first started on the jungle gyms and playgrounds of kindergarten.   Raised by her parents, Rick and Beth, Howlett learned at an early age that softball would be her calling.

After playing years of softball, Howlett entered high school in Eagan. She was a two sport athlete and participated in both softball and hockey.   While playing softball, Howlett was named to the All-State, All-Region, and All-Conference teams. Aside from her softball awards, Howlett was also an active member in the National Honor Society and consistently was on the A Honor Roll.

Following a stellar high school career, Howlett moved on to the college ranks and played for Northern State. Howlett lead the team in batting average with .357, doubles with 16, and homeruns with four. Although her career was well on it's way at Northern, Howlett looked at the bigger picture and decided to transfer to UW-River Falls.

The Falcons couldn't be happier to take on such a player. In her first year with the Falcons Howlett started all 42 games and made constant plays on both offense and defense. Howlett batted an impressive .328 while recording 40 hits and knocking in 24 runs. Howlett's 24 RBI was second on the team. She was named to the first All-WIAC team and was voted Co-Most Valuable Player with pitcher Brittany Rathbun. She was named the team's Player of the Week on April 24. She had nine multiple hit games and three multiple RBI games.

Falcon head Coach Faye Perkins said of Howlett, "She's a great asset and we are glad to have her on board. She is a consistent threat and she will definitely help us down the stretch."

As Howlett looks to the future, she sets goals of the team working together. Individually she looks to improve her game everyday.

The hardest thing for Howlett was coming to a new place as a transfer.

"It is a lot different coming in as a transfer student. You aren't a freshman yet you have never played here before. You don't have to work on being a student athlete and balancing everything but you do have to adjust to this new schedule. You are also an outsider to the team and you need to try and fit in with what is already there."

Howlett is most fond of the trips the teams take together and the good times that happen on the way. In her free time she loves spending time with teammates, friends and family.

When it came to learning softball, Howlett was most influenced by her dad and modeled her game after him.

Howlett's favorite childhood memories took place at her family cabin where fun things happened all the time.

Howlett is majoring in health & human performance and health education.