Three of the Most Versatile Athletes in the NJIC
Versatility is key to the success of a volleyball player. As a coach myself, one of the biggest mistakes we make with our young athletes is specializing them too early. Volleyball requires that all six athletes on the court can…
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Continue ReadingVersatility is key to the success of a volleyball player. As a coach myself, one of the biggest mistakes we make with our young athletes is specializing them too early. Volleyball requires that all six athletes on the court can react to any given situation, so the best athletes are those that can be trusted to make any play, whether or not their position typically calls for it.
There are tons of athletes in the NJIC making terrific plays outside of their designated positions. They don’t just do it once or twice; they do it consistently, and they get the job done. Here are three athletes from the NJIC who can fit into whatever role your team needs.
Jessica Balala, OH, Midland Park, Class of 2022
Another reason we don’t overly-want to specialize players is that some players are just so athletic that they can’t be boxed into any single position. This rings true for Jessica Balala, a three-sport athlete from Midland Park. She plays outside for her squad but spent most of her 2019 season pulling back off the net and picking up balls on the defensive. She moved into this primary passer role well, racking up 242 total digs. She’s been keeping active during the summer months, so it will be exciting to see what she brings to her junior season.
Amanda DiMase, MB, Wood-Ridge, Class of 2021
Typically with middle hitters, we see mostly blocks, kills, and maybe some service points and aces. DiMase challenged our expectations of what a successful middle looks like. She wasn’t the top blocker for her team, only garnering 18 solo blocks, but where she left us hanging at the net, she made up for on the court. She delivered 221 digs last season after running the scoreboard with her impressive serving. She’s in the upper echelon of the conference with 174 service points and 53 aces. If that wasn’t enough, she even managed 29 assists.
Natalie Graham, OH/MB, Emerson Boro, Class of 2023
Graham played predominantly as a middle last season, but only in name. She showed her opponents not to underestimate her, showing out with 48 digs, 136 service points, and 158 assists. Yes, you read that correctly: 158 assists as a middle blocker. Graham did all that as a freshman starting on varsity. She’s only just getting started, so we’re very much looking forward to what she has in store for us this season. Depending on what the next incoming class looks like, Graham may move positions around. With such athleticism and a terrific attitude, she certainly doesn’t have to worry about losing her spot in the starting six.