NCSA caught up with rising volleyball star Stephanie Lavallato about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?
Lavallato: Before every game, I listen to this one song that always gets me really pumped up. Our team will usually play fun little games to get us in a good mood to play. Anything that is fast-paced and fun motivates me before a big game.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play on a collegiate level?
Lavallato: I'm looking for new teammates, a new environment and the next level of game play. Some high school and club matches can get really intense and those are the games I thrive for. I think it would be amazing to have every game at that level.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in the sports you played in?
Lavallato: When I was in fourth grade, my gym teacher offered a volleyball camp over the summer and since I enjoyed it in class, I decided to give it a try. Once I started playing I realized that volleyball was one thing that just came naturally to me. Ever since then I've loved the game.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Lavallato: So far I've received five contacts from coaches, and it has only been three weeks since my profile was routed. Some of the colleges I've never heard of before, but once I looked into them I saw that they have some great opportunities. One coach called me and was very excited about recruiting me because she had seen me play before (she had come to one match to watch a teammate of mine). She actually thought I was a senior, but she's keeping me in mind for next year!
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far?
Lavallato: This year, my high school team had an amazing season. We started off undefeated, then hit a few bumps throughout the season, but finished off strong. Our overall record was 32-5 and we took the titles of Conference Champs, County Champs, and State Champs, finishing as the second best team in New Jersey.
My club team this year has just recently been put together, so right now all the girls are struggling to play well together, but I see a lot of potential in us. I think we will become a strong team by the end of the season.
Personally, I feel that I have improved so much in my past high school season. My coach has me as a starting outside hitter even though it was my first year on varsity. I thought she would sub someone in for me in back row, but she kept me in the entire season. At first I was afraid to pass because I felt that passing was my weakness, but now I thank her for that opportunity. My passing has drastically improved since the beginning of the season.
NCSA: What are your goals – athletically, academically and in your community – for the rest of the school year?
Lavallato: My goals for this club season is to become more consistent with my skills. I feel that in general my skills are pretty good and are at a club level, but I could be more consistent. This year during school my goal is to maintain being an honor roll student. Next semester I have some tough honors classes but I'm going to do my best to keep up my good grades. In my school community, I'm one of two chairpersons on the junior prom committee. My goal is to be successful in planning a great prom that everyone will enjoy without going over budget.
This summer, my goal is to hit the weight room at least twice a week. I really want to increase my vertical and my speed and also improve my reaction time. I think all of these skills can really help on the court.
