Name: Emily Fisher
School: Somerset Area
Age: 17
Grade: 12
Sports: Cross country and track and field
Parents: Clark Fisher and Lani Holland, of Somerset
Athletic achievements: In cross country, 2026 Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference runner-up, 2025 PIAA Class 2A sixth-place finisher, 2025 District 5-8 Class 2A runner-up, 2025 LHAC third-place finisher, 2025 LHAC West first-team selection, 2024 PIAA Class 2A runner-up, 2024 District 5-8 Class 2A runner-up, 2024 LHAC runner-up, 2024 LHAC West first-team selection, 2024 Central Western first-team pick, 2023 PIAA Class 2A bronze medalist, 2023 District 5-8 Class 2A champion, 2023 LHAC runner-up, 2023 LHAC first-team pick, 2023 Central Western runner of the year and ninth place at Nike Cross Regionals Northeast; in track and field, 2026 PIAA Class 3A qualifier in the 3200 meters, 2025 PIAA Class 3A qualifier in the 1600, 2025 LHAC champion in the 1600, 2024 PIAA Class 2A eighth-place finisher in the 1600 and 3200, 2024 District 5 Class 2A champion in the 800 and 1600 and runner-up in the 3200 and 2024 LHAC second-team pick in the 1600.
Coach’s quote: “Emily has been one of the strongest and consistent athletes I’ve ever worked with. She is dedicated to improving her performances anyway she can. I have no doubt Emily will continue to succeed in anything she sets her mind to and I look forward to seeing her continued success.”
– Somerset cross country coach David Waldschmidt
Favorite subject: Biology
Favorite movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
Favorite book: “Deception Point” by Dan Brown
Favorite teacher (subject taught): Mrs. Pile (gifted study)
Favorite song: “Hanging by a Moment” by Lifehouse
Favorite app on your phone: Depop
Outside interests: Competitive downriver whitewater kayaking and neuroscience
If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?: I would be a flying squirrel so I could have the experience of flying, but be a ground animal and experience the world from a new perspective.
Favorite athletic team: Swoosh Track Club
Athlete most admired: Former United States Navy SEAL David Goggins
Most influential people in my athletic career: My coaches and family have supported me through every race and have helped me succeed in everything I do, in and outside of running.
Most impressive athlete that you have competed against: Union Catholic (New Jersey) senior and Stanford commit Paige Sheppard
Proudest athletic achievement: Finishing as a 2024 PIAA Class 2A runner-up in cross country
How I got my start: I started running to stay in shape for soccer and quickly realized I was better at it and enjoyed running much more.
Future goal: To attain a degree in neuroscience from Washington and Lee University and attend medical school to become a neurologist
- Jake Oswalt