ASPIRE Athlete Of The Week For Sept. 20: Emma Hughes

NEW PRAGUE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Record-setting volleyball star Emma Hughes of New Prague is the Sept. 20 ASPIRE Athlete of the Week.

She loves the game – and has since she first started.

"It started in sixth grade when I tried out for JO volleyball," she said. "I was the youngest and I got put on a higher team. I loved it from the beginning."

Maybe that's why she now owns the program's top assists mark. Setting up teammates is a strength for her, and competing is her passion.

"I love the fact it's one of the only sports where you can be down by 15 or 20 points and still come back to win," she said.

The senior's grown into a leader who sets the tone for her team.

"On the court and off, all of the players look up to the seniors, and that let's me know what I do makes an impact in other people's lives," she said. "It motivates me to be a better person."