MaryAnn Rioflorido '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello! I entrust you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during these belligerent times! My name is MaryAnn Rioflorido, Libero/DS for the class of 2021.  I was recently named my school's 2019-2020 Female athlete of the Year; a prestigious athletic award primarily targeted for seniors. As a junior to receive this award, I am incredibly humbled as well as grateful. I am 17 years old and have been playing a year up at a competitive level for majority of my career, as well as two years up Beach Volleyball at a Division 1 level. I've placed top 3 Provincially and Nationally for the past five years of rep volleyball. In 2016 my team placed first in Ontario as well as first in Canada, and have remained as one of the top 3 ranked teams in the nation. I was a starter on my 17u team for my 2018-2019 season. Additionally, I am a two-year varsity starter for my high school team, which placed top 2 in the YRAA finals twice in a row and placed first at OFSAA in the consolation tier. 

To me, volleyball is more than a sport. It is a lifestyle, art, and provides character-building lessons that you simply cannot learn in a classroom.  Picking up my first volleyball at the age of 9, I knew that although I would be considered "short",  my athleticism, quick footwork and fundamental techniques would allow me to become the well-rounded athlete I am today.  What separates me from other athletes is my ability to remain calm and avoid panicking in tight situations. My consistent hustle and anticipating plays is what can help me add depth to your teams defence. Bringing solid defence and running an offence is always a top priority to provide my teammates with. I thrive off of communication and have a strong belief in the saying, "It starts with a pass." Playing in the NCAA would help me to reach my highest potential as a player and as a person; I know I can add energy and dedication to your college team. To be growing up beside older teammates; being taken under the wing of National Coach, Ish Joseph for several years has taught me to embrace situations under pressure and that height and age, ultimately mean nothing if you have a "fire"  for the game. Having played every position for at least one season (including middle for school varsity volleyball), I have learned the ropes of every position and can confidently play any role my coach gives me with maximum effort. I know that my work ethic and accumilated skill-set for the game is a perfect match for any high-level University. I am hoping to make my hometown and parents proud, and to be able to showcase all of the dedication I have put into the game of volleyball!

Playing alongside a family-like team is vital to me, and I believe strong team chemistry is a huge factor in team success. I make sure to surround myself with people of good intentions and people who inspire not only me but also the world around them. Other than playing volleyball, I mentor the younger generations in learning the game of volleyball. By working under the supervision of Ish Joseph, as well as a volleyball camp volunteer and leader with Markham Youth Sports. Inspiring future volleyball athletes is important to me because it reminds myself of a younger me and shows me first-hand that every player starts as a wide-eyed beginner of the game. I consider myself to be a well-groomed individual who balances school, extra-curriculars, volleyball, friends, and of course family. I come from a family of five which consists of two supportive parents and two older sisters who are my core inspirations, as well as best friends.