Emma Bleecher is balancing graduate school, coaching and starting her law enforcement career — and she couldn't be happier.

Graduating from Ferris State in December 2025 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Bleecher began pursuing a master's degree while remaining with the Bulldog volleyball program as a graduate assistant under head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm.

Bleecher recently added a new career milestone by being sworn in as a marine deputy with the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office earlier in summer 2026.

She credits last summer's internship with the sheriff's office as helping launch her professional law enforcement career.

"Coming back this summer as a marine deputy felt like I had gone away on a trip and then returned to my extended family," Bleecher said of a sheriff's department division that patrols the county's waterways.

Having long aspired to a career in law enforcement, she appreciates the leadership of Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller, whom she admires.

"Brian has always described MCSO as being a family, and I have always agreed with that," Bleecher said.

While building and strengthening relationships within the department, Bleecher also gained experience she now applies to her current role.

"My MCSO internship last year has helped me easily transition to being a marine deputy for MCSO this summer," Bleecher said. "Last year, the deputies I got to ride with were very open and allowed me to learn many things while on the road. They gave me opportunities to assist them, and they taught me about the systems that MCSO specifically uses."

Last summer's internship, one she completed with a familiar face in former Ferris State soccer standout Bella Vallone, did more than provide real-world experience — it helped prepare Bleecher for her current role.

"That experience alone has allowed me to jump right into marine," Bleecher said. "I already knew of many of the procedures that I needed to follow, and just knowing most of the people I would be working with gave me a lot of leverage."

The 6-foot Champaign, Illinois, native wrapped up a standout Bulldog volleyball career with 754 kills, 1,134 digs and 99 total blocks, including 266 kills and 352 digs as a senior. During her four seasons, Ferris State captured three GLIAC regular-season championships, three conference tournament titles and back-to-back NCAA Division II Midwest Regional championships in 2024 and 2025.

Throughout her time at Ferris State, Bleecher balanced academics and athletics while preparing for a future in law enforcement. This summer, she continues supporting the Bulldog volleyball program, helping organize summer camps, while beginning her career.

"Being on the water is a lot different than being on the road. I had to learn a lot of different things, but I felt prepared to step into the boat and interact with people based on my observations from last summer," she said. "We have an awesome crew this summer, so it's really been great so far. It feels good knowing that I get to go out on the water and help educate people to be safer on the water."

Beyond the law enforcement aspect, Bleecher also looks forward to helping educate area boaters and serving as a resource for the community.

"I have also gotten to help teach a Boater Safety class, and we'll have another one coming up in July that I'll assist with again," she said. "Meeting new people in the community is great, so now I just get to do it on the water."

_{Release and photos courtesy of Ferris State Athletics.}