Indiana University Athletics
Where Are They Now?-Emma Urzua
12/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 15, 2005
Over the next several months, IUHOOSIERS.com will catch up with former Indiana women's basketball players to see where life has taken them since graduation from IU.
A native of Ensenada, Mexico, Emma Urzua (1993-95) is one of six international players in IU women's basketball history. She started every game in which she played in (84) throughout her three-year career and finished with an average of 5.2 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game. Urzua currently ranks fifth in the Hoosier record books for career assists (366) and seventh for most assists in a single season (140). She was also was a member of the 1994 and 1995 NCAA Tournament teams
Below is what Urzua had to say:
What have you done since graduation?:
After graduation, I started on an entry-level job (Customer Service Rep) in Indianapolis, Ind., at Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift in 1997. By 1998, I moved to Peoria, Ill., to work for Caterpillar Logistics (Third party logistics services). Since then, I have held numerous positions with the company on marketing/commercial and operation roles. In 2001, I transferred with the company to Ontario, Calif.
What is your current role?
Currently, I'm the Logistics Center Manager for a 211,000 square foot Distribution center for a client, Mazda. I am directly responsible for over $31 million of inventory and 45 employees. It is a very fast-paced industry with excellent growth potential. I'm happy to be part of global company. The only downside is that is very demanding (time-wise).
What are some of your best memories of playing basketball for the Hoosiers?
The 1994-1995 season. During that year, we won six out of the last 10 games by a margin of five points or less with at least four buzzer beaters. The belief of that team, and mental toughness that we could compete with the best of the Big Ten gained us an invitation to the NCAA tournament for a second year in a row.
Would you say playing basketball and receiving an education from Indiana has really helped you get to where you are today?
As a native from Ensenada, Mexico, it helped me broaden my horizons. I formed wonderful relationships that are lasting nine years later. I perfected my English, adapted to a new culture, and learned to appreciate my own culture much more. The education gave me a foundation to be in the managerial position that I am in today at such a rapid pace.
Do you still keep in touch with any former teammates?
Indirectly only. My husband (Chris) and I travel to Indiana every year to visit his family. Yes, I married a Hoosier. We always hear about one or two former teammates that are still in the area.
Any other information you would like to share (kids, spouses, etc,)
My husband, Chris and I married during the summer of 2004 in Ensenada, Mexico. We currently reside in Corona, Calif.
