Before Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll stepped up to the plate, his girlfriend, Emma Broyles, stepped up to the microphone to sing the National Anthem at Chase Field.
But a big stage is nothing new for Emma.
Raised in Anchorage, half Korean and half Irish, she became the first Alaskan and first Korean American crowned Miss America. Now 25 and rooted in Arizona, Emma has traded Alaska’s extreme seasons for sunshine, sushi spots and hikes best saved for winter.
But her most meaningful role has always been Brendan’s big sister.
“My brother has always been my why,” Emma says. “He’s the reason I got involved in the Special Olympics when I was five years old, and the reason I’ve spent my life advocating for inclusion.”
In honor of October being Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we caught up with Emma for quick hits on life in Arizona, Miss America, mental health, and inclusion.
What was going through your head the night you won Miss America?
I didn’t think I would win. I remember thinking, just do your song, answer your question, represent Alaska… and then suddenly, I had a crown on my head and was being whisked onto a plane. It was a blur.
What do you remember most about that year traveling as Miss America?
The people. Every city, every school, every Special Olympics event. I’d meet kids who reminded me of Brendan, or parents who whispered, ‘thank you for telling the truth about mental health.’ Those moments are what I carry with me.
Favorite memory with your brother during your Miss America year?
Flying him out to events with me. He loves the Seattle Seahawks, and when I did an event with them, he got to be part of it. Having him alongside me… at events, at games… made it all feel full-circle.
What’s a beauty experiment you’ll never repeat?
Blonde hair and blue contacts… never again.
First Miss Alaska dress?
Bought it off eBay. It was blue. Cheapest one I could find.
What does beauty mean to you now?
Not hiding who you are. I used to dye my hair blonde, wear blue contacts, try to look like everyone else. Now it’s about letting my freckles show, embracing my Korean features, and enhancing what makes me me.
We know you can crush the National Anthem. What's your karaoke song?
Dreams, by Fleetwood Mac.
Favorite movies?
The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie. I like happy movies.
Biggest lesson from Miss America?
People connect more with your imperfections than your perfection.
Biggest life lesson from Brendan?
That inclusion isn’t a box you check. It’s a way of living.
Rumor has it your boyfriend is kind of a big deal…
Laughs... Yeah, Corbin plays a little baseball. It’s nerve-wracking watching him, but I go to as many games as I can. Off the field, we’re just normal… Netflix, cats, sushi.
instagram.com/emmabroyles
Listen to Emma’s full interview streaming everywhere on the Now with Nadine podcast.
"My brother has always been my why. He’s the reason I’ve spent my life advocating for inclusion." -Emma Broyles