Today, the emoryathletics.com senior spotlight series continues with a look at current women's volleyball student-athlete Finn Wilkins.
Name: Finn Wilkins
Hometown (High School): Scottsdale, AZ (Desert Mountain)
Sport: Volleyball
Major: Nursing
How did you start getting involved with volleyball? How old were you when you started playing?
I was super athletic as a child and people kept nudging me towards volleyball so I tried one year of club ball and ran with it! It's such a fun sport and very different from my previous sports; swimming and soccer.
Do you have any plans for after graduation?
Begin working as a pediatric RN in a big city, preferably ATL!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?
I got really down on not playing a ton as a first-year SO don't allow yourself to find self-worth on the court. It's so easy to get discouraged without a starting position or playtime but there are so many factors that go into making that decision & it's never personal – simply strategic!
Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
Jenny McDowell – being my head coach, it's easy to say she has had the biggest impact on me. BUT this doesn't end with volleyball. She is constantly fighting for our rights as students and reaching out to help us with whatever we need to make our experience in the classroom nothing short of incredible. She has done a tremendous job at instilling hope and confidence into young athletes through camps and our athletic games so I really applaud her for changing the way the next generation thinks and feels about themselves.
What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?
Sociology 101. I was in this class as a freshman and learned so many interesting/fun things that really help me with my position in the hospital now & as a future RN. I also LOVED Dr. Bledsoe & all she had to share.
What is the most unique thing about your hometown?
I'm from Scottsdale, Arizona which is part of the largest suburb in America.
What is something that people may not know about you but should?
I'm a first generation American. My parents are both from the United Kingdom and immigrated to New York City over 30 years ago!!
Other than the sport you play, what is another one you think you could play at a high level?
Track. I ran in the women's 4x400 in middle and high school but decided to discontinue due to the intensity of volleyball.
What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?
Bethany Hamilton. Many know her as professional surfer that survived a shark attack in 2003. I think her dedication to the sport and commitment to surpassing all odds is incredible and I would love to hear how she overcame that fear and how she turned a traumatic injury into such hope.
How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?
I have been traveling to a lot of nearby destinations with friends to explore the outdoors and nearby cities. We have spent a lot of time cooking, hiking, going on picnics and to the beach at any chance we get.
Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?
Ketchup.
What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?
- Criminal Minds
- The Blind Side
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?
Before COVID, I loved exploring new restaurants with friends.
What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?
In 2018, we won the national championship but this entire season was the most memorable experience I've had at Emory because we overcame several injuries as a team and hit an all-time low in the middle of that season. Despite this low, we prevailed together to reach and surpass our goal!
Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?
My clinical experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was my favorite academic experience in the nursing school because it was there that I realized how passionate I am for healing sick infants & children.
What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?
Live every day in college to the absolute fullest. Work ahead when you have time so that you can stay on top of your academics while also living in the moment. Making spontaneous decisions to explore with friends or teammates was my biggest goal throughout my time at Emory and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to meet incredible people through this!