Throughout her volleyball career, Emma Eskew has battled some tough opponents.

As it turns out, though, the toughest opponent Eskew has battled over the past year is likely the one she sees in the mirror each day.

That’s because the Warrenton junior volleyball player has had to work through a litany of injuries to stay on the court.

“I broke my wrist, I broke my foot and I dislocated my shoulder twice,” Eskew said. “I’ve done a lot of rehab and I just really love this sport and I’ve been playing it since third grade. I have put my mind to it (continuing playing) no matter what. I’ve had the thought (of whether all the work is worth it), but I push through that. I do it because I know I can’t live without volleyball.”

Warrenton (2-4-3) is better for Eskew’s perseverance.

The 5-foot-8 outside hitter has been a beacon of leadership this season, especially with her hard-charging play.

Not only does she lead the team with 32 kills, but Eskew has also added five blocks, 34 digs and seven service aces.

The junior is far more than any collection of numbers, her coach Kayla Nelson said. While Eskew’s aggressive style doesn’t always keep her safe, Nelson said that the fact that the junior gives her all is something those around her have full awareness of in just watching her play.

“She is going to go all out, all the time; she’s just ruthless,” Nelson said. “It’s hard because you don’t want her to stop (being who she is), and having that mentality. She is risking herself and her health every time she’s out there. The great thing about her is that she just perseveres through it all.”

Warriors’ senior setter Grace Ruediger echoed her coach’s sentiments about her teammate.

She’s excited to know that she expects nothing but all-out effort from Eskew. The junior’s effort is contagious, Ruediger said.

“She really encourages everyone to give their best when they’re out there,” Ruediger said. “Everyone wants to have the hustle and have the drive that she has.”

Now healthy, Eskew said that she’s excited for this time of year for a couple of reasons.

Sure, the high school volleyball season offers her the chance to show what she can do in helping her team succeed, but it also offers her a chance to look to the future.

After all, the window for college coaches to reach out to potential recruits recently opened.

“A lot of colleges have reached out to me, saying they want me to visit,” Eskew said. “I go (through) a lot of recruiting options. It’s really cool. I have gotten DI (interest). That’s what I’m leaning to because I want that competitiveness.”

While competitiveness – and a major in the medical field, thanks to her extensive background as a patient – do appeal to Eskew for her future, she also wants to be able to look back with pride.

She wants not only her name, but her efforts to be remembered long after she’s left the halls of Warrenton High School.

“I want to be a record holder,” Eskew said. “I want to leave my name here when I leave the school. I want to make sure I build my team up while I’m here. I don’t want anyone to get down on themselves. I don’t want them to think they’re not capable.”