At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2020. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well as they continue to complete the semester and become Rensselaer alumni / alumnae. 

While at Rensselaer:
Captain ... Competed in 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 400H and relays in career ... College-bests of 1:02.55 (400), 2:28.24 (800), 3:16.82 (1000), 5:27.92 (1500) and 1:11.82 (400H) ... Electrical Engineering major ... Dean's Honor List.

Favorite sports memory during career?
"My favorite memory is from our Liberty League Championship meet during outdoor my junior year. The meet was at home and the 4x400m relay was coming up. Our lead leg got hurt during her open 400, so we needed an alternate. Eight girls warmed up for the race in case they had to run, but in the end it was our senior captain, Dai, who stepped up and said she was going to run. When I handed off the baton to her, I could see she was so determined as this was going to be her last race as a senior. She ended up having the fastest split and pulling us to a PR, and it was just a really exciting race and great relay team to be a part of." - March 2020

What makes Rensselaer so special?
"I've never been a part of such an amazing team. RPI athletes are so unique in their determination and grit, which can only come from balancing the rigorous academics with athletics." - March 2020

What are your post-graduation plans?
"I will be starting at Raytheon in June, working on radars as a systems engineer. I plan to pursue a Master's in Electrical Engineering upon having a few years of work experience." - March 2020

From the coaching staff:
"Emily's contributions to the track & field program go far beyond her results on the track. As a captain, she not only leads by example but has always been a support system and guiding influence to teammates and coaches alike. Emily's dedication senior year to train and compete through serious injury showcased her character and determination." - March 2020

What others say:
"Emily was an amazing captain and teammate, one of the most caring individuals I have ever met and I am so lucky to have spent three years on the team with her." - March 2020

"She was an integral member of our team. Emily always knew how to get people pumped up for a race and would always be watching and cheering on. She was a great training buddy and knew how to push each person in our group in the way they needed it most. She has had to fight through a lot of injuries, and it got to the point that she was not able to compete. Her positive attitude and support for teammates never wavered, even when she could only watch them compete." - March 2020

"Emily has been through every possible adversity with a smile on her face and I have incredible admiration for her dedication to her team and her sport. Although she and I were not in the same running group, she was always very friendly and welcoming to me. She could always brighten someone's day and gave the best pre-race pep talks. Thank you Emily for being a great leader on the track team and a great friend off the track. " - March 2020

"Super caring teammate who always asks me how my jumps went and would take time to watch. One of the reasons why my RPI track & field experience is so great." - March 2020

"Emily was always very encouraging and a great captain. Even through her own injury setback, she continued to work hard for the team as a leader." - March 2020

"Emily Black is an amazing captain on the track team. She is friendly and directive and she was the glue that kept our team together. She is strong and never stops working hard despite difficulty." - April 2020

"Captain Emily Black is a great athlete that has never stopped proving her mental toughness in her time at RPI. Coming off a stellar junior year, this past season has been extremely difficult for her due to injuries that took almost a year to properly diagnose. Despite her baseline daily pain being more than I have probably ever felt at any time in my life, she still came to practice every day and meets every weekend. She organized events and acted not just as a liaison between athletes and coaches, but as a person of leadership herself. I'll miss her running next to me, pushing us through a workout. I'll miss her telling me what time it is before races, reminding me to push myself - not as hard as I think I can go, but as hard as she knows I can. Thank you Coach Captain Mom Emily for honoring your commitment to this team every single day." - April 2020

"Incredible team leader, always willing to do what it took to make sure everyone on the team was supported and encouraged in their events. A role model for both underclassmen and upperclassmen alike." - April 2020

"Emily is like the Mom of the track team. She goes above and beyond to help and support her teammates. A lot of people on the team look up to her. Although she could not compete this season, Emily stayed strong and found other ways to support her teammates. She always put the team first and is a true inspiration to all of us." - April 2020

"Emily has been a great teammate this season, especially as a freshman, by always asking how you are doing (with track and in general) as well as being a huge help at meets. For my 800m races, she would ask if I wanted her to give me my splits during the race, and would also ask how I thought the race went afterwards, which I truly appreciated." - April 2020

"Emily Black rose to the occasion to be one of the most dedicated and invested captains our team has had in years. She endured chronic pain from injuries, but she never lost her dedication to the team and the program. Underclassmen love her and upperclassmen are all friends with her. She was a pleasure to run alongside in mid-distance for the past four years." - April 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.