Emily Taylor Stewart’s journey to the classroom was anything but ordinary. A former Division 1 athlete in basketball and soccer, a Navy veteran, and now a dedicated science teacher, she brings a wealth of experience to her students—both on and off the field.
Stewart states, “The influences I gained from my coaches have helped shape how I motivate students. Leadership on my teams taught me how to guide by example, and that’s something I carry into the classroom every day.”
Stewart’s time as an athlete taught her more than just how to play the game—it showed her how to lead and motivate others. Just like her coaches pushed her to do her best, she now pushes her students to work hard and believe in themselves. She knows that learning, like sports, takes practice and patience, and she wants her students to see that effort pays off.
“Sports give me an avenue to connect with my students. We talk about their hobbies, their games, and I find ways to tie their learning to what they love,” she explains.
She also understands that not everyone learns the same way, just like every player on a team has different skills. That’s why she finds different ways to help her students succeed, making sure each one feels supported. By leading by example—staying organized, working hard, and keeping a positive attitude—she shows her students that they can achieve their goals in school and life.
Stewart speaks on the challenges of being a D1 athlete, “The hardest thing wasn’t the balancing act—it was when it all ended. I absolutely loved playing, and when I got injured, it was devastating. But that experience taught me resilience and how to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn.”
“My time in the Navy taught me to see things from different perspectives and to bring people with different skills together to achieve a common goal. That’s exactly what I do as a teacher—help each student find their path to success.”
Just like in the Navy, where everyone had to work together to reach a goal, she teaches her students that they can all succeed independently. By guiding them and giving them the tools they need, she helps them feel confident and ready to learn.
Looking back on everything she has been through—her time as a D1 athlete, her service in the Navy, and her journey to becoming a teacher—Stewart has learned that life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. If she could talk to her younger self, she’d remind her that it’s okay to be different, to have multiple passions, and not to have everything figured out.
“You can be an athlete and a scientist,” she says. “And just because things don’t go exactly as planned doesn’t mean they aren’t working out.”
Her story proves that unexpected paths can lead to incredible opportunities, and she now passes that lesson on to her students, helping them see that they can chase their dreams—no matter where life takes them.
