Each summer since Emily's death her parents have hosted a Memorial Beach Volleyball tournament to honor her memory and to raise money for a scholarship in Emily's name.  The 4th annual tournament will be on July 26, 2009 . . . which would've been Em's 20th birthday.

This is a very fun event.  You can learn more information and sign up by visiting Emily's website: www.emilyduits.com.

 

In honor of our beloved Emily, we decided to create an award in her honor.  Each year we will recognize a player in the club who exemplified the same spirit and energy that Em brought to our club.  The 2009 RemEMber award went to Laura Jones who was on the 16 Banana team.  She was always a spark on her team and was very highly respected by her teammates for her enthusiasm and work ethic.  Congratulations!

Emily Duits was a member of the 2005 16-1 FaR Out team that qualified for the Junior Olympic Championships in Salt Lake City, UT.  The team finished 25th out of 48 teams in the 16 National division.

    

Later that fall Emily was in a car accident that left her paralyzed and in the hospital for a week.  After a week long battle Emily passed away on October 11, 2005.  She is now in her perfect body rejoicing for eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Emily was a very special young women.  She was always smiling and brought so much enthusiam to her team.  She made those around her feel extremely loved.  She is dearly missed by all those who loved her.

  

Her parents, Jeff & Selena, have begun a scholarship in her honor.  It is awarded to qualifying students from Lakewood High School where Emily attended.  Each summer they host a beach volleyball tournament in Em's honor at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds.  This year's event will take place on Em's birthday, July 26, 2009.  We will post more details about the event as they become available.

Visit Em's website to learn more about the incredible life she lived.