America is high on Emily McCook

Emily McCook may be the picture of focused, disciplined resolve on the court but off there are moments when she might not be sure where to turn next.

That's because she's about to make a decision that will be the envy of many teens.

Athletic scholarships to play big-time university volleyball are starting to pour in for McCook. Already the Grade 12 student at Innisfail High School (IHS), who is turning 18 on Jan. 24, has received a full scholarship offer to play for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, an NCAA Division 1 school. There are "multiple more" offers that are expected to come from the United States, including a possible four in Las Vegas, and at least two from Alberta.

"It is very exciting," said McCook, who plans on studying either midwifery or nursing wherever she lands after she graduates from IHS this year.

McCook, who has been playing school volleyball since Grade 8 and has been playing at the club level since last year, has until the end of April to make her final decision.

In the meantime, the young woman, who stands six feet, two inches tall, will continue to play with the Rebels team in the Alberta Volleyball Club League. McCook's coach is Red Deer's Melissa Laforce, who has coached her since last year. Laforce, who has been a head volleyball coach for the past 19 years, is carefully handling the many calls from the U.S. and Canada that are showing strong interest in securing McCook's special volleyball skill.

"Emily came to us last year and it was her first year of club volleyball. She progressed really fast. She didn't have all the training and all the volleyball knowledge," said Laforce. "Volleyball IQ is what creates a player and she has definitely gained a lot of volleyball IQ, where she is able to see things, understand plays and she's able to read things before they are happening.

"Emily is an amazing blocker. Of course she has great height but she's very athletic. She's also a very strong left-handed player," added the coach, noting McCook has special assets that make her especially attractive to recruiters.

"She is a tall girl. Height doesn't always come into effect, but is height an advantage? Of course it is going to be an advantage, but Emily is a left-handed middle, which is very unusual.

"Left-handed players and being tall are two things that are very abnormal. It is very hard to find a player like that. There are very few," continued Laforce. "Emily is moving out to right side, which would be an advantage for any team. Being a middle she does a good job and it is a good spot for her as well, but honestly a left-handed player on the right side is a coach's dream to have."

While McCook waits to accept the right scholarship offer, there are still other matters she has to deal with at home, including playing basketball and of course her studies. When asked about how well she is doing with her grades, which are all excellent As and Bs, she is hesitant to give herself a pat on the back.

"They are decent, not the best," said McCook, who is also aiming to play at the nationals this spring with her Rebels squad.

And that also makes it a hectic and exciting time for the talented teen.

"I am a very busy person," she said. "I am used to it."