UPDATE: Senior basketball star Emma Briggs from Benet Academy has just committed to Furman University, marking a significant milestone in her academic and athletic career. At just 16 years old, Briggs knows exactly where she aims to go, both on and off the court.
Briggs, a versatile 6-foot player, has plans beyond basketball—she aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon. “Being a basketball player, we are always very prone to injuries,” she stated. Her commitment to Furman comes after careful consideration of both athletics and academics, solidifying her path as a dual-threat student-athlete.
Coaches and peers have praised Briggs for her maturity. “She’s always been very mature. She’s very well-spoken and emotionally mature,” noted Benet coach Joe Kilbride. Furman’s strong academic reputation and its fit for her athletic goals were key factors in her decision.
Briggs was recently performing with her AAU team in a tournament in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where Furman’s coaches were present. “I was injured for most of those games, but I went on a visit right after, and they offered me on the visit,” she explained. The proximity to her family, who plans to relocate to Charlotte, just two hours away, also influenced her decision.
This commitment makes Briggs the second member of Benet’s senior class to secure a spot at a Division I program, joining Bridget Rifenburg, who is headed to Richmond. Both players are recognized for their versatility on the court, embodying the modern “positionless basketball” philosophy.
“Bridget and Emma are both wings in college, but in high school they are so versatile,” Kilbride emphasized. This adaptability will be crucial for the Redwings, who are aiming for a return to the state semifinals after narrowly missing out in the past two seasons.
Briggs showcased her skills this summer by competing for Great Britain in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament, helping the team finish sixth in the B Division of the U18 tournament in Lithuania. “She’s gotten a lot of exposure playing against different players,” Rifenburg commented, highlighting Briggs’ development as a playmaker.
Beyond her burgeoning basketball career, Briggs is known for her academic prowess. “She’s extremely smart,” Rifenburg added, emphasizing Briggs’ critical thinking skills both on the court and in the classroom. “She’s very unselfish on the court and even in the classroom.”
As her final season with the Redwings begins, Briggs is focused on leadership. “We’re going to put everything out,” she affirmed. She and Rifenburg are committed to fostering a team-first mentality, aiming for success in their upcoming games.
With her commitment to Furman, Emma Briggs is not just preparing for a future in basketball, but also laying the groundwork for her career as a surgeon. The Redwings look forward to what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
