The senior spotlight series continues with a look a volleyball student-athlete Maggie Rimmel.
Name: Maggie Rimmel
Hometown (HS): Pittsburgh, PA (Mount Lebanon)
Sport: Volleyball
Majors: Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology and Psychology
Q: How did you start getting involved with volleyball? How old were you when you started playing?
I went to a Christian school where in middle school we only had two main sports—volleyball and basketball. I played both, but I fell in love with volleyball. We were only in 6th grade and playing at an extremely low level, but I just knew I loved it. When I moved over to public school, I continued playing volleyball, in addition to some other sports, but volleyball was by far my favorite!
Q: Do you have any plans for after graduation?
I am currently applying for jobs, but we will see where life takes me.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?
I would tell myself to have more confidence and that once I gain that confidence I will be capable of so much more on the court. I would tell myself to celebrate my success more instead of playing it down.
Q: Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
Jona Braden! Jona is the most positive, loving person I have ever met. She lifts everyone up around her and makes them feel valued. Jona and I connected really early on when she joined us and she has always been a source of joy for me both on campus and on the court. Her love for volleyball is contagious and she is the so supportive of everyone on our team.
Q: What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?
Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology 201. I loved this class because it was a combination of Neuroscience and Anthropology. It really showed how Neuroscience is applicable in a worldly sense.
Q: What is the most unique thing about your hometown?
I am from Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh is known as the "City of Bridges" since it has more bridges than any other city in the world (446). You might be surprised to know it also has been rated one of the best food scenes in the US. Voted most livable city multiple times over! We also boast sports teams like the Steelers and Penguins, here in the City of Champions!
Q: What is something that people may not know about you but should?
I am super proud of my city and the beautiful snow in the winter, but I hate the cold! Atlanta was a huge reason I chose Emory, because the winters are so mild!
Q: Other than volleyball, what is another one you think you could play at a high level?
I think I could continue with Track at a high level. I used to be really fast, running the 200 and the 4x100. I also jumped, which might be obvious because of volleyball, but I loved jumping!
Q: What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?
I think I would like to have a conversation with Serena Williams. She is one of the first female athletes to get even close to the same amount of recognition as male athletes and has used that to show young girls how to work hard and play with poise and sportsmanship.
Q: How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?
I have taken advantage of the extra time through taking more classes and I am about to start studying for my GRE and some certification exams. I have also been spending extra time with some of my teammates and trying new takeout places around Atlanta.
Q: Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?
Shrimp… bleh.
Q: What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?
-The Blind Side
-Criminal Minds
-Crazy Rich Asians
Q: What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?
EAT! Atlanta has great food and I love trying new places!
Q: What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?
I think for most of us this is a pretty easy question. Winning the 2018 National Championship was hands-down one of the best feelings I have ever experienced. I got to see all our hard work come to fruition and experience this with my best friends. We made some amazing memories that week, both on and off the court.
Q: Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?
I worked at a Psychiatric clinic for 9 months, where I learned a lot. I got to facilitate DBT classes with teens, develop outreach programs to survivors of suicide, and learn the ins and outs of a clinic setting. I loved the people I worked with and sometimes wish I could go back.
Q: What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?
Enjoy this opportunity you have in front of you—to play college volleyball. Thousands of girls tried to make it to this point and you were one of the few who did. Your time is limited, so make the most of it and enjoy this time surrounded by some of the most amazing girls you will ever meet.