Emily Schultz, a former Oswego East star and a fifth-year senior at Stanford, is headed to Oklahoma City and the College World Series this week. Schultz, an ace pitcher for Oswego East who hit .553 as a senior, can look back now at a few sliding-door moments that got her to this place. She originally committed to play at Loyola as a freshman in high school to stay close to home. Schultz remembers playing at a travel tournament, winning 11 games in a row after a loss, to reach Premier Girls Fastpitch Nationals in Huntington Beach, California, where Stanford first caught a glimpse of her on the field.
Joining a program that was 4-68 in the Pac-12 the three years before Allister was hired, Schultz recalled the team being shocked to hear their name called for an NCAA Regional in 2019. When the Cardinal was run-ruled at the regional, Allister hugged Schultz and promised her they’d be back. A career .294 hitter at Stanford, Schultz is batting .304 this season with 14 doubles, four triples, 29 RBIs and 26 runs scored in 58 games. She has started 234 of the 245 games she’s appeared in over the past five seasons, helping lead Stanford to the NCAA Tournament every year except the 2020 pandemic season.
Schultz received a bachelor’s degree in human biology last spring, worked part-time at the Stanford hospital and has spent the past six months on written essays for medical school applications. Schultz will select the 25 or so schools she wishes to send the applications to, with interviews starting in the fall. The plan is to pursue a career in orthopedic or emergency medicine, but Schultz is keeping her options open. After COVID canceled the 2020 postseason, Schultz knew that she would want to come back for an additional year of eligibility. That desire likely only grew when Stanford won an NCAA Regional in 2022, but lost in super regionals a step short of the World Series.
Emily Schultz’s journey to the College World Series is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. From playing travel tournaments to being recruited by Stanford, Schultz has come a long way. Her commitment to the team and her passion for the sport have helped lead Stanford to the NCAA Tournament every year except the 2020 pandemic season. Schultz’s future plans include pursuing a career in orthopedic or emergency medicine, but for now, she is focused on winning the College World Series with her team.