Emily Ward, a Louisiana native, has been a walk on for LSU’s Women’s Basketball team for three years.
This year, she earned a scholarship to continue playing for the Tigers.
Growing up in Bossier City, Louisiana Ward has always been an athlete. She played numerous sports throughout her childhood besides basketball, including tennis, soccer, softball and more. For Ward, however, basketball was always her passion.
“I liked basketball the most.” Ward said. “When I played growing up, I would always play with the boys. I was always on the same level as the boys, so coaches would have me playing with them in recreation and church leagues.”
Ward initially made both the soccer and basketball teams in her hometown in Bossier City but chose to focus on basketball. She was the star of Benton High School’s basketball team, averaging 18 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, leading the Benton Tigers to the 4A state championship game in her senior year.
The decision for after high school came as a tough choice, with Ward receiving scholarships from other Division I schools. For Ward, her heart was always set for Baton Rouge.
“It was a tough decision, but I’ve always loved LSU,” Ward said. “I went to all the football games growing up, and I’ve always wanted to be able to have that full college experience. I felt LSU was the best place for me.”
Ward has been a member of the team since graduating from Benton High School in 2019, joining the Tigers as a preferred walk-on. A video posted by LSU shows her finally receiving a well-earned scholarship from Coach Kim Mulkey and being congratulated by her teammates. The story of her scholarship is much more interesting.
“Before the video was sent out, [Coach Mulkey] told me in advance. One day, we were watching the film from a scrimmage in practice. I did something good, and she looked at me and asked, ‘Emily, are you on scholarship?’ I replied no, and then Coach went on and gave me a ton of compliments, and then she just said, ‘I’m giving you a full scholarship for the spring semester.’ And then she just went right back to studying the film,” Ward said.
Ward was star struck when she first learned of her scholarship, and a very brief celebration from her teammates followed, but Mulkey continued film study as if nothing happened. Ward expressed her excitement, describing the video that she says she can’t watch.
“The video they clipped together only shows a little bit of the team and I celebrating, but we were jumping up and down for over two minutes straight. At one point they knocked me down and lifted me up and just continued celebrating,” Ward said.
The celebrations continued well after the video ended, and Ward is grateful for the love she has received from everyone at LSU.
The decision to take a preferred walk-on spot at LSU has considerably paid off, as Ward has felt at home in Baton Rouge. She expressed her love for her teammates and coaches at LSU and their constant support.
“I feel very loved here, and we’ve all already meshed so well together. We’re only four games into the season and we’re already so close,” Ward said.
With the Tigers having one of the best beginnings to their season in NCAA history, the future looks bright for Mulkey’s team. Currently undefeated after four games and boasting wins by over 60 points, Ward and the Tigers look to cement their spot amongst the top colleges this season.
“For the team, we want to improve on where we ended last year and go farther in the NCAA tournament.” Ward said. “Personally, I want to take it all in. Coach Mulkey says these are the best years of our lives, so I want to enjoy it while it lasts. I’m excited about the future, but I want to enjoy the present.”
Ward is excited for her senior season but is also extremely grateful for the time she has spent at LSU thus far. Showing her undeniable humility and great character, Ward extended a thank you to her parents for all of her success, and she looks to continue it this year.
