Morehead State University and the DeMoss family have been connected for more than half a century. 

Dr. Gerald DeMoss is a two-time graduate ('66 & '68), retired professor, dean and provost with 40-plus years of service to MSU.  His son, Dr. Darrin DeMoss is also an alumnus (89, 91), serving as a biology professor at the University for more than 20 years.  Many other family members have or are currently attending MSU, including the newest Eagle, Darrin's 19-year-old daughter Emilee, a sophomore Biomedical Sciences major.   

Emilee is also a member of the MSU women's soccer team, earning her way onto the squad as a walk-on.  The former Rowan County Viking all-region performer began attending MSU team camps while in middle school.  For Emilee, Morehead State was an easy choice.   

"There's a lot of pride in being an Eagle," Emilee said.  "I've been around the University my entire life.  I could have gone to another college to play, there were other opportunities.  But this is where I wanted to be." 

While Darrin is certainly pleased his daughter chose MSU, he left the decision solely up to her.  Morehead State Soccer Head Coach Warren Lipka welcomed Emilee to the Eagle family, even though he encouraged her to consider other offers.   

"Coach Lipka wanted Emilee at MSU but was also concerned because he knew as a walk-on that her playing time would be very limited, at least for the first two years.  He was honest and upfront with her about that.  He knew she could go to a smaller school and play immediately." 

But there was no hesitation in choosing her hometown University.  Emilee saw action in only one game as a freshman, logging eight minutes in the season opener at Western Carolina.  She watched from the sidelines the rest of the season, continuing to work and practice alongside her teammates.  
 
Emilee's day typically begins at 5:15 a.m. when she wakes up, gets dressed and heads to the training room before practice begins at 7a.m.  After that, she's busy with classes prior to individual/group training and weights in the afternoon.  Evening brings countless hours of studying.  It's not easy or glamorous, especially for a walk-on, but Emilee wouldn't have it any other way.   

"She does it because she loves the sport and wants to be part of the team," her father said.  "She also does it because she loves her teammates and has already connected with the girls in the freshman class.  It's one big family. Emilee has always put other's needs ahead of her own—she wants everybody to be happy.  She's the player that ties the team together." 

Emilee is making the most of her college experience.  Besides her challenging academic schedule (17 hours this semester), she's also member of the Delta Gamma sorority.   

Missing class or falling behind is not an option for Emilee.  Her Anatomy and Physiology class is taught by guess who?  Her father.  In addition to that, he's also her academic advisor and the Faculty Athletic Representative—although the latter didn't initially sit well with his daughter. 

"I didn't like it at first because I thought he'd be around all the time.  But he's given me my space and we don't see each other too often, except for compliance meetings.  I'm good with it now." 

So what's it like being in dad's college class? 

"He's always helped me study so I'm used to the way he teaches.  He treats me like all the other students.  In fact, most of them have no idea that he's my dad.  That's the way we both want it." 

As for his new role as the Faculty Athletic Representative, DeMoss prides himself on being there for all the students, including his daughter. 

"Athletes need to know that they have access to me—there's always an open door policy.  I'm a strong student advocate." 

Emilee hasn't made a decision yet on a career path.  She's considering medical or PA school, but wants to make the right choice for her.   
 
"I'm shadowing an occupational therapist this semester, we'll see how it goes.  I'm considering several things.  I'm excited to see what the future holds." 

For more information about Eagle Athletics, visit www.msueagles.com.