School: Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School
Class: 2015
Sport: Volleyball
Coach: Ralph Grasso
Accomplishments: Led Assabet to a 13 – 2 record this season, winning the Colonial conference.
By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
What made you first want to get into volleyball?
“During my sophomore year, I played basketball for Coach Grasso, and he asked me to play volleyball just to keep me in shape for the upcoming season. That’s when people noticed that I was actually good at it.”
Was he the most influential figure as far as sticking with volleyball, and succeeding at it?
“Coach Grasso was definitely my biggest influence. He was the reason I played and became dedicated to the sport.”
Which match was the most memorable during your time at Assabet?
“My most memorable match was the match we played this season against Greater Lowell. We were 10-1 at that point of the season, and they were undefeated. Everyone thought we were going to lose, and that it would be a tough game for us, but we rallied together as a team and beat them. That was our greatest moment as a team, and a huge accomplishment for me knowing that me and my team are making history.”
What is the best part about being a senior on the team?
“The best part about this season is seeing how me and some of the other players have gotten better over the past seasons. We are now making history at Assabet and doing what no one else has done here in volleyball.”
What other sports and activities do you partake in?
“I am also a basketball player. Ralph Grasso has coached me in both sports, and has seen my progression over the years.”
What is your favorite class in school?
“My favorite class in school is history. I love the class not only because of what we learn, but because of all my history teachers as well. All the teachers at Assabet are great, and I enjoyed having the ones that I had.”
What is your favorite sport to watch, and favorite athlete in that sport?
“My favorite sport to watch is basketball, and my favorite player is Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers. He has improved from working hard over the past few years, and has become a great player.”
What is your favorite type of music, and artist in that genre?
“Any new hip hop is good. I don’t have any particular favorite artists, but that is my favorite genre.”
Have you decided on a college yet, and would you like to play a sport at that level?
“I will be attending Quinsigamond Community College and studying criminal justice. I am going to try out for both sports there, and if I make it, I will continue to work hard at both sports.”
What type of legacy do you hope to leave behind at Assabet?
“I want to be remembered for doing something great here at Assabet. This season has been an amazing accomplishment because of what we’ve done as a team. Because of us, there will be another banner hanging in our gym.”
