9/15/25
The early September sun filters through the gymnasium windows at Bogota High School as Emma Fowler (#13) positions herself at the net, her eyes tracking the approaching serve. With a powerful swing, she sends the ball thundering to the opposite court for another kill. It’s a scene that has become increasingly familiar for the Buccaneers’ faithful, watching their senior outside hitter dominate on the volleyball court after years of excellence in both volleyball and basketball.
Now in her fourth year as a varsity starter for the Buccaneers volleyball program, Fowler has emerged as one of the most versatile and impactful athletes in Bergen County. While her basketball prowess has been equally impressive, averaging over 18 points per game last season, Fowler has made the strategic decision to focus her collegiate aspirations on volleyball, a choice that reflects both her passion for the sport and her understanding of where her future lies.
A Strong Foundation Built on Versatility
Emma’s journey to becoming Bogota’s go-to athlete began early, but her impact has grown exponentially with each passing season. Her volleyball statistics tell the story of consistent improvement and remarkable durability. Over her four-year career, she has accumulated 770 kills, 236 digs, and 58 aces, numbers that reflect not just her offensive capabilities but her all-around court awareness.
The 2024-2025 season proved to be her breakout campaign, as she recorded 334 kills and 98 digs while helping lead the team through a competitive schedule. This year, despite the season being in its early stages, she’s already making her presence felt with 90 kills in just 14 sets played, maintaining the offensive efficiency that has become her trademark.
“Some personal goals for this season is definitely be a hitter my team can rely on to score,” Fowler explains with the quiet confidence of a seasoned competitor. “I want to play volleyball in college and that means a lot playing at the next level. It’s definitely a step up from high school volleyball but I’m ready to take on that challenge.”
Her basketball statistics are equally impressive, having scored 961 career points with 496 rebounds and 103 steals across three varsity seasons. Last season alone, she averaged 18.4 points and 10 rebounds per game, showcasing the athleticism and competitive fire that translates seamlessly between sports.
The Heart of a Championship Team
Under head coach Brad DiRupo’s guidance, this year’s Bogota squad has gotten off to a promising 5-1 start, with Fowler serving as both a statistical leader and emotional catalyst. The team’s early success has been built around the foundation she describes as their greatest strength.
“We have had a strong start to the season. We have a very talented group this year all around,” Fowler notes. “One of our biggest strengths is our passing. We have our two liberos that returned, as well as Melannie Solis who was our setter last year. During practice I see our passing is what brings up the energy and confidence in our plays.”
The returning core that Fowler highlights includes Lucy Villamar, Ariana Marchant, and Melannie Solis, players who have formed the defensive backbone of the program. “They have been a huge part of our backrow this year and last year,” she explains. “They uplift our defense and keep the rallies going. They are definitely players to watch.”
This supportive cast has allowed Fowler to flourish in her role as the primary offensive weapon. Her ability to terminate rallies has been evident in the team’s early matches, including standout performances against Park Ridge (14 kills), New Milford (18 kills), and a dominant 30-kill outing in their four-set victory over West Morris.
Championship Aspirations and Realistic Challenges
The optimism surrounding this year’s team extends beyond individual statistics to genuine championship aspirations. Fowler and her teammates aren’t settling for modest goals in what could be a special season.
“As a team we definitely strive to win a state championship,” Fowler states matter-of-factly. “With the new league alignments it will be tougher to win the league. We are a tough and competitive team so I think we have a chance to make a good playoff run and in the counties.”
The path to those lofty goals won’t be easy, as Fowler readily acknowledges the quality of competition they’ll face. “In our league a tough team will be Secaucus. In our region Secaucus and Verona will definitely be our biggest competitors.”
The early season loss to Secaucus (0-2) provided a measuring stick for where the team stands against elite competition, but Fowler’s six kills in that match demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level. More importantly, the team’s response has been impressive, winning their subsequent three matches by convincing margins.
The Support System Behind Success
Behind every successful athlete lies a network of coaches, mentors, and family members who provide the foundation for achievement. For Fowler, that support system has been instrumental in her development across both sports and her growth as a leader.
“I have had the great opportunity to be coached by Brad DiRupo as well as our assistant coaches and at SOS,” she reflects. “They push me everyday in practice and it shows in games.”
The influence of club volleyball at SOS (SideOut Sports) has been particularly significant in Fowler’s development, providing the additional training and exposure necessary for an athlete with collegiate aspirations. The combination of high school and club coaching has refined her technique while maintaining the competitive edge that makes her such a formidable presence on the court.
Family support has been equally crucial to her success. “My family is my biggest supporters too, my parents are at every game or tournament I have and I can’t thank them enough for their love and support throughout my career,” Fowler says, the gratitude evident in her voice.
This unwavering support has allowed her to pursue excellence in multiple sports while maintaining the academic standards necessary for college consideration. The balance between athletics, academics, and social life requires a strong support network, something Fowler has found in abundance.
Looking Forward with Confidence
As the season progresses, expectations continue to build around both Fowler’s individual performance and the team’s championship potential. Her confidence in the team’s trajectory is rooted in what she observes daily in practice.
“I think that this year’s team is a tough and very competitive team. We push each other in practice everyday,” she explains. “I think that our record will improve from last year.”
The decision to focus on volleyball for her collegiate future represents a calculated choice by an athlete who understands her strengths and opportunities. While her basketball achievements have been remarkable, volleyball offers the platform where she can make the greatest impact at the next level.
Her current season statistics suggest she’s well on her way to achieving her goal of being a reliable offensive threat. With 90 kills through the team’s first six matches, she’s on pace to surpass her previous season totals while maintaining the efficiency that college coaches value.
The Legacy in Progress
Emma Fowler’s story at Bogota High School represents more than just athletic achievement. It’s a testament to the power of versatility, dedication, and the ability to make strategic decisions about one’s future. Her success in both volleyball and basketball has elevated the profile of Bogota athletics while inspiring younger athletes to pursue excellence across multiple sports.
As she continues her senior campaign, Fowler carries the hopes of a community that has watched her grow from a promising underclassman into one of the most complete athletes in the region. Her leadership extends beyond statistics, encompassing the intangible qualities that separate good players from great ones.
The journey toward a potential state championship continues, with each match providing another opportunity for Fowler to demonstrate why she’s become the player her teammates and coaches rely upon in crucial moments. Whether delivering a crucial kill in a tight set or providing the defensive play that extends a rally, her impact resonates throughout every aspect of the team’s success.
With college volleyball in her future and a championship-caliber team surrounding her in the present, Emma Fowler’s senior season promises to be the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of a community that has embraced her journey. The final chapters of her high school career are still being written, but the foundation of success has been firmly established through four years of excellence on multiple courts and an unwavering commitment to team success above individual accolades.
