AVE MARIA, Fla. --- The Ave Maria University athletics department is saddened to announce that Emily Acosta, a women's basketball student-athlete, passed away on Wednesday afternoon.
 
From Jim Towey, President
 
Our shock and sorrow over the loss of Emily are beyond words.  Emily's smile lit up the lives of so many, from her former basketball and softball teammates, to her many friends privileged to know her.  The void she leaves on our campus and in our lives cannot be measured.  Emily was one of a kind.  It will take a long time for all of us to process what happened. 
 
Our deepest sympathies go out to Emily's family and friends. A student with a Health Science major and Psychology minor, she was smart, hardworking and adored by her professors.  Her role as starting point guard here at Ave helped lead our women's basketball team to consecutive 20 win seasons.  On Tuesday night she scored 11 points in a Sun Conference playoff quarterfinal game. 
 
She had a beautiful faith and triumphant spirit.  As we keep Emily and her family in our hearts and prayers, we ask Our Lady to be a mother to Emily now.  Our prayers also are with senior Katie Houbolt as she recovers from her injuries and mourns the loss of her dearest friend.
 
From Megan Becker, AMU Head Women's Basketball Coach
 
Emily was one of the most kind and compassionate people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She deeply cared about those around her and always went out of her way to make people feel loved. She had a quick witted sense of humor, and such a contagious spirit of joy in her heart. She never failed to make us laugh. Em was just truly a remarkable kid.
 
John Kelly, AMU Head Softball Coach (Emily played last season)
 
Emily was a passionate and loving spirit, always full of positive energy and a joy for life. She was exceptionally coachable, always eager to learn and always there for her teammates. She will be missed by Ave Softball and the entire AMU community.