Monday Alumni Profile: Emily (Petersack) Roberto

10/5/2020 9:52:00 AM

By: Norman Yacko

Every Monday, TCNJ Athletics will check in with an alum from one of its programs. Today, its 2012 graduate Emily (Petersack) Roberto, an alum of the women's tennis team. Roberto was a nursing major from Hamilton, N.J. Roberto is a member of the Lions' 100 win club and ranks 11^th in program history with 69 career doubles wins.

In a paragraph or two, talk about what you've done since you've left TCNJ:

Since graduating from TCNJ, I landed my dream job as a nurse at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. November will mark my 8^th year there caring for patients with blood disorders and kidney disease. I married my high school sweetheart Andrew Roberto who was also a TCNJ student-athlete on the wrestling team. We have two beautiful daughters, Grace (3 ½ years old), and Katherine (7 months old) who bring so much joy to our lives. Of all of the things I have accomplished, I am most proud to be Grace and Katherine's mommy.

What has been your favorite professional experience?

As a pediatric nurse, I have been with patients and families as their fears become reality, and have been by their side for the small and big wins that get them one step closer to going home. I consider it an honor to be with them during these scary, intimate, and joyful moments. I learn something new every shift I work, and leave each shift thankful that I get to care for such amazing kids.

Do you stay in contact with any of your old teammates or coaches?

When Andrew and I were first married we lived a few minutes from TCNJ. I would bring my daughter Grace for walks on campus, which always included a stop in the Rec Center to see Coach [Scott] Dicheck.

Though I don't see any of my teammates frequently, I have stayed in contact with a group of them since we graduated. My teammates became my closest friends and I will always consider them family. We have shared in our joyous moments of birthdays, weddings, and baby news and have supported one another through loss and sadness. I will forever be grateful to TCNJ for bringing them into my life.

What is one thing you miss most about playing sports at TCNJ?

All of the fun we had! It didn't matter if it was practice, a match, or an away trip we were always laughing, eating, and enjoying our time together.

What about what you miss most about being a student at TCNJ, either academically or socially?

I actually used to love studying for exams. I would get my coffee, my study materials, my comfy clothes, and set myself up at my desk for the entire day. Now tell me I needed to write a paper and that was a different story!

What is your favorite memory as a TCNJ athlete either in competition, in practice, traveling or socially?

There are so many memories it is hard to pick a favorite! We would travel to Orlando every year during Spring Break with the men's team which was always so much fun. It was great to travel together and cheer each other on during matches.

Another one of my favorite memories was playing Taboo as an entire team when we were down at Mary Washington for Nationals. We convinced Coach Dicheck to play with us and the laughter that ensued is something I will never forget. The hotel actually had to tell us to quiet down because we were having too much fun.

Is there anything your coaches said during your playing career that still sticks with you now?

I feel very fortunate that from the time I started playing tennis I have always had coaches that focused on everyone trying their best and enjoying the game. I never feared one of my coaches would be upset with me for losing, which just increased my love for the game.

What would you say to a student-athlete who is considering attending TCNJ?

I felt that I had the best of both worlds attending TCNJ. I received a fantastic education, while getting to play the sport I love. It was also great being close to home because my family was able to come to our matches. I would say to any student-athlete considering attending TCNJ, do it!

Do you have any advice for current TCNJ student-athletes?

Enjoy every moment! Playing tennis was the best part of my time at TCNJ, and I miss it so much. You don't always appreciate the little moments you have with teammates when you're stressed with the busy daily schedule that comes with being a student-athlete. These are most likely some of the last chances you will have to play the sport that you love in front of friends and family, so much sure you cherish it.

Anything else, feel free to add now:

I would be remiss to not include how thankful I am for my parents who didn't miss a match. It didn't matter if we were at home, in Florida, or upstate New York, my parents traveled to all of the matches. It meant so much to me to have them there and always have their love and support.

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