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By Kara Walser Emily Howlett, a junior on the UWRF softball team, is in her second year with the Falcons and has been a key player in the team's record setting season. Howlett and the Falcons set a school record for wins in a season with 32. The 1993 team had 28 wins. After starting off her softball career as a freshman at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., Howlett transferred to UWRF to pursue an agriculture education major. However, she changed her major back to physical education within the first semester and is now a double major in health and human performance options one and three. "I decided to major in health and human performance for my passion for sports and physical education. Leading an active and healthy lifestyle is very important to me," says Howlett. "After graduation I plan on finding a job around here if the job market is good, or moving somewhere else," she says. "My dream job would be teaching high school physical education and coaching the varsity softball team for that school."One thing she did not forget about in her act of transferring schools was her love for softball. Howlett has been playing softball for 16 years and has had the role of catcher for the majority of those years. " I loved to analyze a player's swing and know what pitch they were not going to be able to hit. I think the constant mental aspect of the game is what I like. I like to out think my opponent and do something they aren't ready for," she says. Howlett is the third baseman this season with the Falcons. After injuring her back, the catching position was something she could no longer do. She originally tried out for first base upon arriving in River Falls, but was soon moved to third base by Falcon Coach Faye Perkins and has been there the past two years. "Emily is a very intense and focused ball player," says Perkins. "On defense, there's not a better glove at third base in the conference. At the plate, she's incredibly tough to pitch to. She only has four strikeouts in 121 at bats with five homeruns, two triples, 15 doubles, and 32 singles. Her 15 doubles is a Falcon single season record. Once she's on base, she's a smart base runner with excellent reactions and ball sense." Howlett has been hitting at, or very near, the .500 mark all year.Last season, Howlett was named to the first All-WIAC team after hitting .328. She started all 42 games for the Falcons and had 10 doubles, one triple and three home runs. She was second on the team with 24 RBI hitting in the No. 3 spot. She finished with a .500 slugging percentage. She was third in runs scored (24). Howlett was named the team's Co-Most Valuable Player and was the team's Best Defensive Player award winner. She was named the team's Player of the Week once. She was also named to the UWRF Dean's List and to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll after the 2006 school year. She was a NFCA Scholar-Athlete. "Emily has become one of the leaders on the team. The caliber of her play has helped other players raise the expectations of their own play. Emily has definitely been one of the key players in the success of this year's team," says Perkins. Howlett's inspiration comes from her cousin Carrie. "I have looked up to her my entire life. We both played softball and have a passion for athletics and teaching," she says. "I really look up to her and hope that I could accomplish as much in my life as she has. She encourages me to be the best athlete and teacher that I can be."Howlett enjoys spending time relaxing with her family and friends. She is originally from Eagan, Minn., and is the daughter of Rick and Beth Howlett. She has three brothers. |
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