From the coastal courts of Brevard County to the prestigious hardwood of Notre Dame, Emma Risch's basketball journey exemplifies excellence, dedication, and the transformative power of specialized training. This 6'2" marksman didn't merely appear on the national radar—she methodically crafted her game through years of development with East Coast United Girls Basketball, evolving into one of the country's most feared perimeter threats and earning the coveted McDonald's All-American honor along the way.

Before collecting national accolades, Emma Risch was honing her craft as an original member of the ECU Titans. Unlike many taller players restricted to traditional post positions, Risch cultivated a versatile skill set that transcended conventional basketball roles—a reflection of ECU's innovative approach to player development.

​Her basketball journey led her through Florida Prep, where she contributed to two state back-to-back championships, establishing her winning credentials against top-tier competition. When she arrived at Palm Bay High School to complete her high school career, Risch had already built a reputation that commanded defensive attention whenever she crossed half-court.

Risch's extraordinary development culminated in one of high school basketball's most prestigious recognitions—selection as a McDonald's All-American. This honor, bestowed upon only 24 girls nationwide annually, placed her among the most elite company in high school basketball and further validated the development pathway provided by East Coast United's training methodology.

The McDonald's All-American selection represented national acknowledgment of what Brevard County basketball enthusiasts had witnessed for years: Emma Risch wasn't just a good shooter—she was a transformative offensive talent whose range extended far beyond conventional boundaries.

The statistics behind Risch's high school dominance tell a compelling story: 20.5 points per game as a junior, complemented by nearly 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3.1 steals—versatility that extended well beyond shooting. However, it was her remarkable 45% accuracy from three-point territory that left college recruiters spellbound and opposing coaches redesigning defensive strategies.

In an era where three-point proficiency increasingly dictates basketball success, Risch wasn't merely participating—she was setting new standards from Brevard County, fundamentally altering game plans for every team fortunate enough to have her services.

When you shoot with Emma Risch's precision, elite programs take notice. The prestigious ESPN 2023 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings positioned her at No. 20 nationally—exceptional territory for any player, but particularly significant for an athlete developed outside traditional basketball powerhouse regions.

November 2022 marked official recognition of Risch's extraordinary talent when she signed with Notre Dame as a five-star recruit. Head coach Niele Ivey was explicit about what attracted the Fighting Irish to the Florida sharpshooter: her shooting prowess, basketball intelligence, and court vision distinguished her from an already elite recruiting class.

Basketball pathways rarely follow predictable trajectories, as Risch's early collegiate experience demonstrates. Injuries have interrupted her Notre Dame career, including a freshman year cut short after just seven games due to hip surgery.

Yet when healthy, her brilliance has been undeniable. Her sophomore campaign featured a breakout performance against Eastern Michigan—23 points including seven three-pointers, tying a Notre Dame program record. This single game validated everything ECU training had instilled: impeccable footwork, lightning-quick release, unwavering confidence, and lethal accuracy.

What separates East Coast United in the competitive landscape of travel basketball is their architectural approach to player development. While many programs prioritize immediate wins over fundamental growth, ECU methodically builds players from foundation to finish—particularly shooters.

Emma's progression from Titans prospect to McDonald's All-American to Notre Dame record-setter perfectly illustrates this philosophy. Through progressive skill development tailored to individual strengths, ECU transforms raw potential into refined expertise—even when facing Nike and Under Armour-sponsored powerhouses with vastly superior resources.

This approach provides invaluable opportunities for Brevard County players pursuing D1 basketball dreams. The shooting mechanics, footwork drills, and situational training that benefited Risch remain program cornerstones today, accessible to elementary and middle school players aspiring to similar achievements.

For young athletes watching Emma Risch earn McDonald's All-American honors and tie Notre Dame records with her signature long-range shooting, the path from local Brevard courts to national prominence no longer seems unreachable—it's documented, proven, and replicable through programs like East Coast United.

ECU's developmental structure begins with fundamentals for younger players, gradually introducing competitive elements, advanced techniques, and mental conditioning as athletes progress. By high school, participants benefit from the same elite training methodologies that helped transform Risch into a McDonald's All-American and one of the nation's premier shooting guards.

While Emma's shooting percentages, McDonald's All-American selection, and Notre Dame accomplishments provide measurable evidence of her growth, her complete impact extends beyond numbers. Her journey exemplifies the perfect synthesis of natural ability with scientific training principles—a blueprint that East Coast United continues refining for present and future athletes.

To fully appreciate the technical excellence behind Risch's shooting mastery, view the featured video on our page. Her form—consistent, repeatable, efficient—represents the gold standard that ECU instills in all its players.

For families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of girls' basketball recruiting, East Coast United offers more than training—it provides a proven developmental roadmap from local competition to McDonald's All-American recognition and D1 recruitment. As one of Florida's premier grassroots basketball organizations, ECU continues producing college-ready athletes who, like Emma Risch, can compete with anyone, regardless of their sponsor or resources.

Through specialized skill development, mental preparation, and competitive exposure, East Coast United remains dedicated to transforming Brevard County's promising young athletes into nationally celebrated talents—one perfect shooting motion at a time.