Former Chattanooga High School standout Emma Clayton is enjoying the start of her college basketball career at Western Oklahoma State College and is looking forward getting back on the court next season.

“I am a freshman this year,” said Clayton. “I am currently majoring in kinesiology, but I am thinking about changing my major.”

Going from high school to college is an adjustment for every student. From managing your time to being responsible for the simple things like food and laundry, Clayton said the biggest adjustment for her was being more independent.

“The biggest adjustment for me was having to be more independent and having to go meet new people to make friends,” said Clayton.

Something that surprised Clayton was the people and friends she made in her first year.

“The biggest surprise was probably how accepting and nice everyone is here at WOSC,” said Clayton.

The same can be said about her teammates on the basketball team.

“I was surprised at how accepting they were and how close we’ve all gotten. Going to a small school my whole life I grew up with the girls I played with, so we had no choice but to be close. So not knowing any of my teammates made me think this was going to make for a long and awkward year,” said Clayton.
 
 At WOSC, the faculty is invested in helping the student-athletes and Clayton said it’s something she loves about the college.

“Everyone is very supportive and wants to see student-athletes succeed,” said Clayton.

Class and basketball are the two things that take up most of her time, but Clayton said she is looking forward to getting involved in more activities around campus.

“I am not currently involved in any other campus activities but next year I would definitely like to be more involved,” said Clayton. “If I’m not in class or at practice recently some of my teammates and I have been going to The Point a lot and playing pool.”

Clayton offers this advice to the new class of freshmen entering college next fall. “Please, please, please go to class!”