Emma Dietrich is proud to be from Wright City and attend Wright City High School.

Even though the sports she plays competitively – ice and roller hockey – aren’t programs in her hometown, Dietrich said she still feels the love and support from her classmates, family and friends from her hometown to Wentzville, where she competes for Holt.

The marriage of the program she’s loved since starting the ice skating program at Wentzville Ice Rink in fifth grade and the support from those closest to her have meant the world, she said.

“While I play hockey for Holt and am often associated with them, I’m proud to be from Wright City and grateful for the chance to compete in a sport our school doesn’t offer,” Dietrich said. “What makes it even more meaningful is the support, and seeing people show up, cheer, and get into the game makes me feel connected and supported, even though I don’t attend the school I play for. The fast-paced nature of the game and the overall atmosphere are what draw me in the most.”

Just as she’s made the trip from Wright City to Wentzville for years now to play her game, Dietrich will next travel even farther.

That’s because she recently signed to play hockey collegiately at the University of Arkansas.

Dietrich will join the Razorbacks in the fall, pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and be surrounded by some new teammates. Still, she will also see familiar faces of friends she’s made in the game who will also attend the school.

“I know a few girls who play for the University of Arkansas hockey team, and other girls who are committing there,” Dietrich said. “So, with different connections, I was able to get in contact with the coach and join. I am beyond excited to be on a team of girls that I'm friends with, especially after being the only girl on my team for the past few years.”

Holt roller hockey coach Paul Humphreys said that, while any athlete who moves on to play a college sport is fortunate, it’s really the Arkansas community that is fortunate for having Dietrich join and contribute to not just the hockey community, but the school community, in general.

“Running into people like Emma inspires me to be a better person,” Humphreys said. “Anyone who would talk to her long enough would know what I mean. Emma has such a passion for the game, drive to be better and desire to learn each time she is at the rink. Passion like that fuels me to coach, honestly.”

The passion she has for hockey is something she enjoys sharing with others, Dietrich said.

While sports, especially her second favorite, golf, are in her blood, the chance to be a role model for others on the ice is something she takes very seriously, Dietrich said.

“In the past, while still playing hockey, I have done cheer, soccer, and my favorite side sport – golf,” Dietrich said. “I also enjoy my job at Wentzville Ice Rink, where I get to teach others how to skate and play hockey. I love getting to help kids find joy in the sport and be someone they can look up to, the same way people did for me. I have been able to stay a straight-A student with all my extracurriculars, and I take pride in that. My favorite subject is history. I love learning about past events and how we got to where we are today.”

Even though being on the ice has helped shape the person she’s become, Dietrich said she plans to carry that forward into her future.

She said that all the valuable tools the game has taught her will serve her well in the future – win, lose or draw.

“Playing hockey has played a big role in shaping who I am today,” Dietrich said. “It’s helped me build strong friendships and grow into a more well-rounded person. Through the sport, I’ve learned how to manage my time, push through challenges, and stay successful both on and off the ice. Being the only girl on my team hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me how to stay confident and persevere.”