Nicolette Marino '19 Recruiting Profile

As I look ahead into the future, I am thrilled to see what is in store for me. I know that taking the next step from high school to college is a major one, and I have a lot of dreams I want to accomplish. I recognize a lot is going to change and I am excited for new opportunities. When thinking about my future, however, I cannot imagine this new step without volleyball as a part of it. I want nothing more than to play volleyball in college.

I have fallen in love with every aspect of volleyball. Whether it be playing myself or watching others, it is a game that brings me so much joy. Volleyball challenges me mentally and physically more than anything I have ever done. I have always been one to rise to a challenge; challenge motivates me. It drives me to be a better player and equally importantly, a better teammate.

Overall, my goal is to be the best leader and player I can be, for myself and for my teammates. What makes me different than other players, is that I put my HEART into every single play, 100% of the time. As a libero now, my goal is to consistently do everything in my ability to not let the ball touch the floor each and every play. I am never afraid to throw my body to get any touch possible to get the ball up. I am always told that I mop the floor!

When I first started playing club volleyball in eighth grade, I began as an outside hitter. In this position, I always fought to keep the ball in play and take smart shots, while still being aggressive. I was the captain of my 15’s national team and always encouraged my teammates. While my skills as a player are strong, I believe my strongest asset is my ability to bring up the attitudes of my teammates on the court. I like to win and to me, attitude plays a major part in that.

As I have grown as a person and a player, I have discovered my new love for defense. During my  freshman year, I lettered varsity and was proud to have the most aces on my team. That year, my team went 16-13 and finished with a winning record. During my sophomore year, I started on Varsity as an outside hitter every game. I played all around, leading my team in digs, with 254. My team went 32-2, winning the county championship, conference championship, and state section. Verona went from not being ranked at all to 9th in the state! It was an incredible thing to be a part of. By the end of the season I was awarded honorable mention All-Conference. My academics are also extremely important to me. The classroom is another place I enjoy challenging myself. I recognize I have so much to learn and look forward to doing so.  As I begin this new chapter of my life, I would love nothing more than to

learn and grow, as a volleyball player and a person.

Nicolette Marino