For aspiring high school athletes, the journey to college sports is a formidable challenge, with fewer than 7% realizing this dream nationwide. However, regional disparities play a pivotal role in altering this percentage. Hence, for athletes at Wright City High School, the significance of achieving this milestone is particularly noteworthy.

Senior Emma Staats is a softball player for Wright City High School and has made a name for herself in the sport and has committed for her college career.

Staats is set to embark on her academic and athletic journey at Culver Stockton College next year. Culver Stockton College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Canton. 

Committed to continuing her softball career, Staats has also charted an ambitious academic path. She will pursue a major in Bio-Chemistry through the Pre-Med program, with aspirations of becoming a doctor while excelling on the softball field.

Arriving at Wright City during her sophomore year after relocating from California, Staats's softball journey began at Westview High School, where she earned a varsity spot as a freshman. 

With a softball passion cultivated since the age of five, Staats played for various travel teams, including Thundersticks, Power Surge, Factory, Ohana, Chaos, and Mariners.

In her senior year at Wright City, Staats's impressive stats boasted a .505 batting average, 46 hits, 8 home runs, and 26 RBIs. Her prowess on the field garnered recognition both at the travel and high school levels. Nationally ranked as a first baseman and an overall player, she secured 1st team all-conference, all-district, and all-region honors in her junior year. In her senior year, Staats continued to shine with 1st team all-conference, all-district, and 2nd team all-region accolades.

As Staats gears up for college softball, her determination intensifies, aiming to clinch a starting spot in her freshman year. The anticipation is high as we look forward to witnessing Staats's achievements in her college career