ARCATA, Calif. -- The standout junior guard, Emilia Long, of Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball has proven to be a threat defensively this season, as she is currently ranked first nationally across NCAA Division II in steals per game with 4.57. Long also ranks 16th nationally in steals, as she has grabbed a total of 32 in just seven games. Despite playing only seven games, everyone above her in the rankings has already played a total of 10 or more games. Long leads the California Collegiate Athletic Association as well in both steals and steals per game by a large margin.  

Immediately coming over from a historic season with the women's soccer program, the Peninsula College transfer and dual sport student-athlete stepped right in with the team and looks to rewrite the record books, this time on the court. With 32 steals and 18 games left this season, Emilia Long is on pace to shatter the Cal Poly Humboldt women's basketball single season steals record if she maintains the 4.57 steals per game average, putting her at just over 114 steals on the season. The record is currently held by Trina Dukes, who collected 98 steals in the 1994-95 season. 

"Emilia makes an impact on both ends of the floor," said head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "Her athleticism, quickness and natural instincts all allow her to get into the passing lanes and read situations extremely well. These qualities combined with her intensity and competitiveness are pretty special to watch. To be currently ranked number one in steals per game is extraordinary. We are very proud of Emilia's accomplishments thus far and we look forward to her continuing to improve each and every day."

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