Emily Brown received one last pat on the back for her spectacular high school volleyball career.

Brown, a Baldwin High senior, Thursday was named 2003 Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year.

“I’m very surprised,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of really good players in Kansas.”

In leading Baldwin to a 41-3 record and Class 4A state runner-up finish, Brown registered 421 kills, 411 assists, 104 blocks, 68 digs, and 67 service aces as both a setter and outside hitter.

“Emily has been our go-to player since she stepped on the court as a freshman,” Baldwin coach Jill Brown said. “She’s a great teammate and leader. She’s always encouraging, supportive and positive in her attitude.”

Brown, currently playing basketball for the Bulldogs, was a four-time All Frontier League pick and Journal-World All-Area pick. In her junior and senior seasons, she led BHS to a 72-13 record and two state-tournament appearances.

Brown said the Gatorade award was a nice ending to a fulfilling high school career. She’ll take her talents to Kansas University next year.

“Of course, getting second at state wasn’t our plan,” Brown said with a laugh. “But as far as our whole season … you really couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Gatorade’s annual award considers on-court and off-court performance, including “achievements in the classroom and overall character.”

Brown maintains a 4.0 grade-point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Thursday’s announcement also qualified her as a finalist for the Gatorade National High School Volleyball Player of the Year honor, to be awarded later this month.