Coastal Carolina University Athletics

Emilie is a freshman setter from Woodlands, Texas. She not only had the most prolific freshman season of any setter in Coastal Carolina history, but she topped all setters before her as a Lady Chanticleer. She completed the 1998 season with 1,347 assists, surpassing Coastal's previous single-season record of 1,191 assists by Colette Pawlyk in 1996. In addition to her setting abilities, Welch also rated third on the team with 330 digs and second on the squad with 42 service aces.

In the 1998 Big South Conference Tournament, Welch led the Lady Chanticleers attack with 131 assists in three matches. For her efforts, she was selected the Big South Tournament's Co-MVP with teammate Autumn Staub. This honor for Welch added to her Big South Second Team All-Conference and Big South All-Tournament selections.