Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Emilia Bartholomew, Loyola softball

Emilia Bartholomew is a senior infielder and utility player for the Ramblers. She is a four-year varsity player and will play for the University of Illinois–Chicago starting next year.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Recently I’ve had a superstition where I have to wear my elbow guard. For the past two years I have never worn one and ever since I’ve been wearing the elbow guard, my hitting has increased. So I always have to have mine or borrow (teammate Hunter Lewis’). And then before a game, throughout the day, I try not to overthink and keep things simple.

2. Why UIC?

I love the community, love being in the city. That was a big part of it. They have a great nursing program that I am a part of. That was another big factor. My dream is to be a nurse. It is right downtown with a lot of hospitals and it’s a great opportunity. I also loved coach, but now we’ll be rebuilding with a new coach and I’m really excited to get started.

3. Why nursing?

Nursing has always been it for me. I want to help people. It’s silly but I like “Grey’s Anatomy” and want to be able to do my part. When I was little, my mom has multiple sclerosis, and I was like her little partner, helping with medicine and that resonated with me. I want to help people. And there are so many ways you can go with nursing.

4. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

Probably hang out with my friends and having beach days, hanging with family. Softball has been a lot of my life. I used to play basketball, so that’s another thing I like to do in my free time. Workout, listen to music.

5. What is your top sports highlight so far?

Freshman year was probably the top and peak of Loyola softball when we made it past the first round of sectionals. And actually the game against Buffalo Grove; we ended up winning on a walk-off. The game was really emotional, really fun and a great game. And then we lost to Warren in the sectional final. The game against Buffalo Grove, we just came and we fought and it was such a great time. It was definitely the hypest I’ve been at Loyola. Beating Warren this year (6-2 in regional final) was big too.

6. When did you realize softball was your sport?

Since I was young. It was known to me since I was very young. My dad loves baseball so he got me into it and ever since house league I absolutely loved the sport. Freshman year I made the travel team I’m on now, Illinois Chill, and that boosted my love for the sport and made me want to play college ball. I knew that was what I wanted and continue this path after high school.

7. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Greece. I’m very Greek and I have never been and all the photos you see of beaches and white all over the place. I think there is family there I’ve never met. It seems like a cool place I’ve never been to. I really want to visit.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Sour candy, like any sour candy, peach rings are my favorite, but Trollis too. And probably ChapStick.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I was a theater kid when I was younger. When I was younger that was all I did before playing sports. I was very into music. My family is very into music. It’s the thing I did before sports. Seven years of piano lessons.

10. What has your senior season been like?

In the beginning, we couldn’t figure a few things out. As the season went on, we had such a good connection. The team bonding was great. Practices were so much more focused and productive and people wanted to play and do better for each other. We just flipped a switch. Our chemistry was so much better. Other captains are all so helpful to a tremendous amount and we all bring something different and I think our leadership has been helpful on and off the field. Once we string things together and play together, everything goes as one. It’s been a great run and trying to keep it going.

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