We continue our alumni spotlight series with one of head coach Jaime White's players during her tenure at Fresno State, Emilie (Volk) Mayfield (2013-16). Mayfield is a Utah native that spent four seasons in a Bulldog uniform.
The forward played under head coach Raegan Pebley & Jaime White. In her time on the court Mayfield saw a Mountain Championship tournament win (2014) in her freshman season, an NCAA tournament appearance and two WNIT appearances with the 'Dogs. Mayfield was also named MW Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-MW nod three times.
On the court, Mayfield saw action in 94 games with 29 starts, totaled 238 rebounds, 89 assists and 309 points in her career.
Q: What is your current profession and where do you work?
Mayfield: I am a mom & I started my own business as a Strength and Conditioning Coach last summer.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your current profession?
Mayfield: I love watching our son explore and discover the world around him. It has been the best role God has given me. And my role as a Coach has been an awesome opportunity to equip, encourage and train my clients to steward the body that God has given them.
Q:How did your time at Fresno State prepare you for life after college?
Mayfield: My 4 years on campus prepared me to be adaptable and trust the process. Not everything goes the way we want it, but it always provides opportunities to respond well and trust that God is in control. Life after college has been full of challenges and adventures! I knew I wanted to start my own business at some point but after my husband and I got married in 2019, we moved to several states for training with the Air Force - including myself joining the Air Force and going through training to become a Firefighter. These moves and decisions put my hopes to start AIMS Training on hold. After our son was born in 2023, I decided to separate from the Air National Guard. It has been amazing to be home with him and get to explore with him daily. AIMS Training became official later on that year and has been a great challenge for me professionally to be the best coach and mentor I can be for my client's goals and needs.
Q: What is are your favorite memories as a student athlete?
Mayfield: My favorite memories were being a part of winning the Mountain West Championship and going to the first round of the NCAA tournament my freshman year. As well as having the opportunity to be a team captain my senior year and lead our team in a new way. Then, my senior year, a comeback win over UNLV to advance to the Mountain West Conference Championship!
Q: What do you miss most about time at Fresno State and being a student-athlete?
Mayfield: I miss being in the team environment and the camaraderie that we built throughout the season. I miss being challenged daily in the weight room and on the court by all of my coaches and trainers. I miss being close to Yosemite and biking/long boarding around campus.
Q: What's one word to describe your career?
Mayfield: Pivotal.
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice to current student-athletes?
Mayfield: Soak it in. Embrace each day. This is only for a moment. All the early mornings, sprints, weight room sessions, traveling, games played, sometimes even rehabbing an injury, heartbreaks and victories.. they are all so worth it and a beautiful part of your journey..it seriously goes by in a flash. God has you here for a reason. And you may not feel that right now or even know why, but one day you will be able to look back and be so grateful for the opportunity you had to play for Fresno State and make lasting friendships and memories. Bulldog Born. Bulldog Bred.
Q: What's your message to Red Wave?
Mayfield: Red Wave!! Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and supporting me in my 4 year career as a Bulldog. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to compete at a high level as #20. It is a huge part of my story and journey in my faith, as well. God bless you all!