It looks like someone is not in Kansas anymore. Emma Henderson, a sophomore outside hitter hailing from Prairie Village, Kansas, has shown brain, heart and courage in her time with Central Connecticut volleyball.

Henderson has been a key factor in the Blue Devils’ success in her short time with the team. In her freshman campaign, Henderson was able to do more than just contribute, starting in 10 of the 20 games she played.

During CCSU’s run to the North Eastern Conference Championship last season, Henderson posted 2.57 kills per set, ranking third on the team and added four double-doubles.

Perhaps the most impressive of these double-doubles came in the Blue Devils’ final game of the season. In the championship game against LIU Brooklyn, Henderson put up a monster stat line highlighted by 16 kills and 17 digs.

Henderson has been just as impressive in her second season at CCSU. For her second season, Henderson looked to “just be better than last year, get better at the things I didn’t do well, continue with the energy and just help be more of a leader as a sophomore.”

Coming up on the halfway mark of the year, Henderson is second in kills (141) and digs (150), and ranks first for the team in service aces (27).

As noted by Henderson, energy and enthusiasm is incredibly important for the outside hitter.

“I play well when I smile,” Henderson noted. “I’m always smiling and going for balls and yelling. It helps me out and helps my teammates too. Even if I’m having a bad day, I smile through it.”

Henderson’s strong effort has been infectious for the Blue Devils, who have played hard enough to earn a 5-1 record in conference play. This hot start puts them at second in the NEC behind the reigning champion LIU Brooklyn, who are currently undefeated in the conference sitting at 6-0.

“We know that we can win the NEC. LIU is our biggest rival so we’re working on being on top of the NEC,” Henderson said.

 The strong coaching of Linda Sagnelli and Greg Shell has already left an impact on Henderson in her two years playing for the Blue Devils.

“[Sagnelli] and Greg are great. They really make this team a family. It’s a great environment to be coached in,” Sagnelli said. “We want her to be impressed by us, and I’ve already learned so much in not even two years playing here.”

Expect Henderson to continue smiling for the Blue Devils, who are rolling after winning both of their in-conference games this past weekend. Henderson and the Blue Devils will look to keep the momentum rolling against Bryant this Friday.