RECognition: Emma Hargreaves, Recreation Experience

Recreation's monthly series to highlight our fabulous staff

By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director

It’s safe to say that Emma Hargreaves is a big fan of rock. Rock climbing, rock music — all of it.

In fact, if she could pick one superpower, it would be the ability to teleport, to be at the front row of any concert in the world, at any time. (And concerts in the past would definitely be included, she says.) Some of her favorite shows she’s seen include Prophets of Rage at the Palladium, St. Vinvent at the Hollywood Bowl, Phoebe Bridgers at the Greek Theatre, and Julie at the Observatory North Park.

“I can't pick one, they were all so incredible!” she says.

Emma, a joint mathematics and economics major (2026) in Eleanor Roosevelt College, is also a bit of a rockstar herself. As Facility Supervisor in Recreation Experience, she does everything from opening and closing buildings, setting up rooms for events, responding to facility patrons, and much more at RIMAC and Main Gym. She’s also a member of the Recreation Leadership Council and has taken a role within Competitive Sports.

“Emma truly embodies what an Active Triton is,” says Bobby Jaffe, Recreation Experience Coordinator for Main Gym. “We have seen her role grow professionally over the last year within the department and seen her want to make a bigger impact on the department as a whole.”

She originally joined REC in September of 2023 because of the convenience of having a job on campus, not knowing she would find “a community that shares my passions.”

“I've connected with so many people, from friends at the OCC (Outdoor Climbing Center) who love climbing to those in Outback Adventures who enjoy the outdoors, and others who are passionate about the gym,” says Emma, who is also a member of the climbing club Tritons Rock. “The club meets up at OCC pretty regularly to climb, and also plans trips to places like Santee and Mission Gorge for outdoor climbing.”

Ever since learning to surf her freshman year, Emma has also been catching waves — and making memories — with the Surf Club. 

“I have met so many cool people; it is easy to bond with people who are super passionate about surfing and climbing,” she says. “Surfing with new people has made me a better surfer, and it is really encouraging to never have to surf alone!”

When she’s not rocking out, Emma spends her time camping, hiking, climbing, and hanging with friends. She also likes to study at M.o.M. and is always down for a  “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” binge. 

Emma doesn’t yet have tickets to any upcoming shows, but she is “always looking” at upcoming schedules for area venues. If she could time travel to any concert in the past, she would “probably go to Nirvana's Pier 48 show.”

“I personally would lose my marbles.”

Simply put, Emma rocks.