Andrew Giampapa '22 Recruiting Profile

I began my volleyball career by taking a chance.  I was a basketball player, and my after my freshman season, the head volleyball coach suggested that I try out for the volleyball team.  In my school, volleyball had a not-so-great stigma, but I was open to giving it a try.  And I am so glad I did!  I learned that there is a spot for everyone on a volleyball team, and that your teammates will always be there to pick you up.  I liked it so much that I joined a club team right after freshman season.  I remember walking into the gym at my club team for the first time, and I immediately connected with the family mentality.  All of my teammates (both high school and club) are my brothers.  As an example, this past spring season our setter lost his father.  Although he was devastated, he felt that he needed to continue playing, and never missed a game.  Since fans were rarely allowed at the games, it was up to us as his teammates to support him and band together as his family on the court.  In the end, it was a great season.  My proudest moments have been getting to our sectional semis, my play against Ridge HS (where I had 25 digs in the game), and having the winningest season in my school's history this past season.  The game has taught me so much about myself: how to be a leader for my team (through the good and bad), how to take accountability, how to wear my volleyball jersey proud, and how to take chances.  I hope to take these lessons with me through senior year and beyond, holding my very high GPA and pursuing a degree in education.