New York bound

Though Emily Bolling did not receive all the recognition she my have deserved -- in terms of post season accolades and all-state honors-- the Palmer High School senior received the ultimate honor and recognition last week as she signed a National Letter of Intent to join the New York Institute of Technology women's basketball team and officially accepted a full athletic scholarship.

Bolling will receive a sum of nearly $25,000 for each of the next four years to attend the prestigious academic institution. Bolling said the only cost she is responsible for is books.

After watching game film and looking through portfolios sent by Palmer High School head coach Lyle Busbey and AYBA Summer Select team coach Dorena Bingham, the NYIT coaching staff was virtually sold on Bolling becoming part of their basketball team. NYIT offered Bolling the scholarship package before she even visited the school. Bolling said the thought of having the scholarship package was, in some ways, nerve racking, but also put her mind at ease. She said while she was a little worried they might not like her style of play, she didn't have to worry about the amount the school may offer. But after a successful visit, NYIT was not only sold on Bolling -- Bolling was sold on the school.

"As soon as I got on the plane home, I knew," Bolling said.

Bolling said playing at the Division II level was not the only thing that drove her toward NYIT, but the lure of the big city was a draw.

"I will be really close to New York, I wanted to be close to a big city," Bolling said.

The university is just 40 miles from New York City.

Bolling looked into numerous schools at various levels ranging from NAIA to Division I. Bolling stood at the top of several schools' recruiting lists, and California State Northridge was still pursing Bolling up until she officially signed with NYIT.

"It was a long process. I told her to be patient," Busbey said. "She probably could have gone Division I and even could have played. But she will excel at the Division II level."

Bolling also listed Davenport University (Mich.), Linfield College (Ore.), Western New Mexico and Seattle Pacific as schools she considered.

A four-year starter and letterman for the Moose, Bolling filled virtually every need for Busbey on the court.

"In my 10 years, Emily is the most complete player I ever had," Busbey said. "She's able to score inside and out and able to defend anyone. In the clutch, she steps it up."

Bolling will be asked to play primarily the small forward and off-guard positions at NYIT. During her high school career, Bolling was asked to lead the Moose from the parimeter and in the paint. She averaged 16.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game and shot 48-percent from the field during her senior season.

At NYIT, Bolling could be part of the squad's plans on the court immediately.

"She'll probably play right away," Busbey said. "If you are recruiting in Alaska, all the way from New York, it means she'll fit in pretty nicely."

NYIT only has five players returning from the 2003-04 season and its 2004 recruiting class includes three post players taller than 6-feet and a Division I transfer, in addition to Bolling.

Bolling will major in business at NYIT. The women's basketball squad is noted for having the highest graduation rate of the athletic department -- 95 percent.

During her tenure at Palmer, Bolling was named to the Region III first-team twice, and was an all-state honorable mention in

2003-04.