Emily Coonce graduated from Cookeville High School (CHS) in May 2023 where she studied art under CHS teacher Mitch White. In high school, Emily lettered in three sports: swim, cross, country, and track. She is a nationally-ranked triathlete (swim, bike, run), and she will be attending East Tennessee State University (ETSU) on a NCAA athletic scholarship in triathlon. Emily studied flute under Dr. Rodger Martin, and she plays for special events at Cookeville First United Methodist Church. She is the daughter of Daniel and Janet Coonce, and the granddaughter of Jim and Marilyn Gray and Pam and Danny Coonce, all from Cookeville, TN. Emily enjoys all forms of art, especially acrylic and watercolors.