Emily Easley has seen all of her dreams change in the past four years.

As a ninth grader in Greenville, S.C., Easley was preparing to play high school basketball before her father took a job in Alabama. Easley found herself adjusting to a new school, new friends and a new basketball team.

Now in her final year at OMHS, Easley plays as a guard for the Lady Eagles. But the 5-foot-5-inch senior takes pride in more than just what she does on the court.

&8220;Emily is sort of the unsung hero in many ways for our team,&8221; Lady Eagles head coach Toni Leo said.

&8220;I feel like she is the glue that holds us together, especially during the down times.&8221;

Easley has earned a number of awards and accolades since coming to Oak Mountain High School, including the Hardwood Hustler award, given to the team’s hardest worker each year.

&8220;I try to work hard and lead by example,&8221; she said.

Easley also participates in school programs helping with special education kids, and the school’s PATH prorgram, which focuses on preparing freshmen athletes for the stresses of high school.

Easley said she had hoped to play basketball at Clemson when she was younger but now plans on attending the University of Alabama and majoring in business and marketing.

She hopes her basketball experiences and leadership skills will help her achieve higher at the college level.

&8220;I think playing has helped me be a better leader and get to know people better,&8221; she said