Nigh’s journey into flag football began almost by chance. Her father, coaching a younger team in Baldwin, needed an extra player, and she stepped up. From that first game, she knew she’d found something special.
“At my first game, I liked it a lot, and yeah, I have just been playing ever since,” Nigh said.
The path hasn’t been without obstacles. As Nigh moved into more competitive teams, the challenge of earning playing time became real. But instead of frustration, she found motivation.
“There’s a lot of competition out there, and sometimes I haven’t got the playing time I wanted, but it made me realize how much work is put into it. It shaped me as a person and pushed me to be a hard worker,” Nigh said.
One moment stands out above the rest: a victory over a rival that symbolized the team’s growth and resilience.
“Our high school flag team beat Free State after losing to them the previous week. That win felt really good and showed how much we’ve improved,” Nigh said.
Her teammates have witnessed Nigh’s transformation from a small club player to a key figure on stronger teams in Kansas City.
“We started as a small team in Baldwin, just a club. Now Emme is playing on really good teams because of her talent and drive. You can see how much she’s improved in every game,” Junior teammate Tatum Hicks said.
But Nigh’s impact goes beyond skills on the field. Her character stands out just as much.
“She’s a great teammate on and off the field,” Tatum said. “No matter the situation, she’s approachable, friendly, and always ready to support. That’s why everyone respects her.”
Younger players are taking notice of her leadership, too.
“Emme brings really positive energy to the team, helping us, giving advice. She is very optimistic and a good leader for the team,” freshman Kenzlie Honeycutt said. “The way she and the other girls coach us, how we can all just joke with each other — it makes the team feel like a family.”
Nigh isn’t just a promising athlete — she’s a dedicated, hardworking young woman whose story inspires those around her to push harder and believe in what’s possible.