(WSBT) After winning the class 4-A state championship last season, the South Bend Washington Lady Panthers aren't planning on settling for anything less this upcoming year.

Panthers senior Emily Phillips can take some of the credit for that.

"She's so serious, and so determined, and she really wants it,” said Panthers Head Coach Marilyn Coddens. “I think that last year was fine, and it was OK, but now she realizes with her being a senior, that this is her last opportunity. To be a state runner up and even winning the state, [some] people will never get [that chance] but she wants it again.”

Emily is relentless on the court, and her speed is immediately noticeable. But her determination for success on the court continues right into the classroom.

"I have a 3.3 [GPA], but I'm trying to get back to a 3.5,” Phillips said. “I'll say my hardest classes is math class — I have pre-calculus this year, but the hardest class is probably like the best one because I like challenges."

After this year Emily is off to Penn State, where she'll be coached by former Notre Dame Assistant Coach Coquese Washington.

"They have such a good relationship, and I know it will continue,” said Coddens. “It does have to ease her mind that she will be surrounded by people that care for her.”

Congratulations to Emily Phillips, this week’s Burger King Outstanding Student Athlete of the Week!