Berry Volleyball’s All-Everything Emily Stromberg is a fierce presence on the court, an honors student in the classroom, a professional cake maker in the kitchen and, when she lets her hair down? A Disney princess?

“Last year we had a game on Emily’s birthday,” head coach Mika Robinson said. “I showed up to [lead warm ups] and the whole team was wearing Disney princess crowns in honor of her.”

Known for her game day wrist tattoos, Stromberg is that rare blend of ferocity and gentleness, both high performing and fun to be around, according to coaches and teammates. 

Berry Volleyball’s Emily Stromberg, with wrist tattoo.

The ferocity has translated into becoming only the second Berry player to record 1,000 digs, 1,000 kills and 1,000 points. The gentleness makes her someone most everyone would like to be around.

“I don’t think anyone could say anything negative about Emmy,” Robinson said. “You just can’t help but love her.”

“Emmy” Stromberg has a magnetic personality and a presence that puts you at ease. Unless you’re on the other side of the net.

“Her serve is next to impossible to pass,” freshman teammate Hannah Billiard said. “We can always count on her to put the ball away at crucial moments.”

Iconic power

Stromberg’s Disney character tattoos have become a hallmark of Berry Volleyball.

“Before every game, I put a tattoo on my wrist,” Stromberg beamed. “If we play a hard team, I try to have really intimidating tattoos, like Hulk. I had a big Hulk on my wrist for (the Emory) match.” 

Before most games, Stromberg will lay out the tattoos in the locker room and her teammates will help her choose which one is the most appropriate for that match.

“One game, I had a big Princess Ariel head tattoo and at least three people asked me if I was bleeding because of her red hair,” Stromberg said.

For Senior Night this year, Oct. 24, Stromberg said the entire team will be sporting tattoos. Until then, teammates know to expect princess-themed Disney movies on the team’s road trips.

Can opponents see the tattoos? 

“When I’m at the net, my wrist is right there,” she said. “Oh, they see it.” 

Stromberg does what she can to keep things light, knowing the season can take its toll.

“Playing on so many different teams, I knew a lot of girls who burned out,” she said. “I don’t know if I just lucked out with teams and coaches, but playing in games is still one of my absolute favorite things, and that’s what I’m going to miss the most.” 

Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to do that favorite thing – play in volleyball games. She suffered a possible career-ending injury against Millsaps College on Sept. 20. Since then, she’s had surgery on a herniated disc.

The verdict on whether she can return is still up in the air.

“I expect to play,” said the team’s points leader and primary passer. “I’ll do anything – just serve, anything. I just want to hit a ball. Whether I’ll be allowed to, now that’s a different story.”

Since surgery on Oct. 5, Stromberg has worked to recover. She’s waiting for a green light from doctors and coaches to resume play. 

Off the court, Stromberg anticipates graduating from Berry in May with a major in biology. She is applying to medical schools in Kentucky as part of her longer-term pursuit of becoming a pediatrician or OB/GYN. But that doesn’t mean volleyball will be only a memory.

“I expect her to be involved with volleyball on some level throughout her life,” Robinson said. “I don’t see her ever getting completely away from volleyball.”