Three standout Emory University student-athletes were named University Athletic Association (UAA) Athletes of the Week for their exceptional performances during the week of November 11–17.
Volleyball: Kate LaRocco and Deborah Hong
Emory volleyball stars Kate LaRocco and Deborah Hong swept both UAA weekly awards after guiding the Eagles to their 11th conference title in program history.
- Kate LaRocco
LaRocco delivered a dominant display at the UAA Championships, amassing 40 kills across three matches, including a clutch 15 kills in the championship match against WashU. With a stellar .385 hitting percentage over 10 sets, she showcased precision and power, committing zero attacking errors in the opening match against Rochester. LaRocco also contributed 29 digs, including 16 in the semifinal win over Chicago, and seven service aces throughout the tournament. This marks her third UAA Athlete of the Week honor this season. - Deborah Hong
Hong was the defensive anchor for the Eagles, recording an impressive 66 digs in the UAA tournament. Her defensive masterclass included a career-high 40 digs in the semifinal against Chicago. In addition to her stellar digs, Hong added 15 assists and four service aces during the tournament. This is her second weekly honor this season.
Women’s Soccer: Michelle Davidson
Junior Michelle Davidson shined in leading Emory women’s soccer to its 12th Sweet 16 appearance in team history with two shutout victories in the first rounds of the NCAA tournament.
- Against Methodist, Davidson played 64 minutes in a dominant 6-0 win, during which the Eagles held their opponent without a single shot. Davidson also added an exclamation point to the match by scoring a goal.
- In the second-round clash with Pacific Lutheran, Davidson was one of only three players to log a full 90 minutes, leading the defensive effort in a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The Eagles’ defense allowed just three total shots, only two of which were on goal.
This marks Davidson’s second UAA Athlete of the Week honor this season.
