PHS senior named 2025 Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete

Senior Emma Eisworth was selected as this year's St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete from Pattonville High School. In its 59th year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete program honors one student from every area school, a requirement being that they participate in athletics and excel in the classroom.

Eisworth is ranked No. 41 in the Class of 2025 and swam for the Pirates. She qualified for state all four years, is a seven-time state finalist and named all-state honorable mention. Eisworth was named an eight-time conference finalist and all-conference first team all four years. She served as team captain and also established four school records (100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley and member of 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay). Eisworth was also part of the Parkway Swim Club.

Academically, Eisworth was named academic all-conference and earned the citizenship award all four years. Additionally, she is a member of the student council, History National Honor Society (Rho Kappa), Key Club, National English Honor Society (NEHS), National Honor Society (NHS), Key Club and Spanish National Honor Society. 

Eisworth was the Pattonville boys swim team manager. She volunteered as a middle school and first grade teacher assistant, summer tutor at Kirkwood Library, Eureka High library assistant, summer swim team assistant volunteer coach at Big Bend Woods and at the Animal Protective Association (APA). 

“Anna Braswell was my summer league swim coach when I was first learning to swim and later became my swim coach at Pattonville High School,” Eiswirth said. “She has made such a big impact on my life, constantly encouraging me to push myself and be the best version of me. Coach Braswell never fails to make someone smile as she brings positive energy everywhere she goes. Every time she steps onto the pool deck her presence lights up the space as her smile is contagious. Even in tough situations she remains calm and works hard to keep the athletes excited. Her ability to make swimming fun taught me to enjoy the process and always work hard. I would not be the swimmer or person I am today without her support and constant belief. I hope to carry that energy with me as I grow into a collegiate athlete and adult.”

Eiswirth will continue her academic and athletic career at Lynn University in Florida as a NCAA Division II swimmer.

“I hope to make an impact on high school athletes just as my high school and club coaches did to me,” Eiswirth said. “Their constant encouragement and confidence in my abilities has helped me grow not only as an athlete but also shaped me into a better, more confident person. I want to give back by being a positive role model. I believe it is important to have someone to turn to who offers advice, a shoulder to lean on, and words of encouragement when needed most. Therefore, I strive to be that person who inspires young athletes to believe in themselves and push through challenges.”

Look for Eisworth’s profile alongside other high school Scholar Athletes in the May 6 issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and on stltoday.com.