Posted Oct. 29, 2014
WELLESLEY
Kristina Vasil wanted one final hurrah in the state tournament before her time on the volleyball court at Wellesley High came to a close.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t given the chance.
Needing to win their last two matches to make the postseason, the Raiders’ girls varsity volleyball team dropped the final two matches and we’re unable to reach the .500 mark, going 8-12 overall.
“My goal was to try and make it to tournament, but I knew that it could be a challenge since we were such a new and young team,” said Vasil.
The third-year member and senior captain on a team full of underclassmen, Vasil found herself in a tough spot.
“More than half the team was new to varsity,” she said.
As much as she wanted to win and go out on top in her last season at Wellesley High, Vasil knew she had to put her teammates’ development first. She embraced her role as team captain and tried to set an example for the rest of the team by playing to the best of her abilities every match.
“I am always determined to win,” she said.
It took some time but in the end, her hard work paid dividends.
“Everyone had to adjust to each other’s playing styles on the court, but once we all connected, the team dynamic was incredible,” Vasil said.
Vasil’s intangibles were recognized last season when she received the Coaches Award for leadership. But she also brings a lot of playing skills to the court as well. Vasil has “a lot of power and strength,” in her words. Sometimes, she can be affected by her tendency to overthink the game, but her commitment is never questioned.
“I put forth all of my effort this season and I have no regrets whatsoever,” Vasil said. “I can look back and see that I dedicated a lot of my time into building my skills as a player, but also as a teammate.”
Vasil didn’t start seriously playing volleyball until age 14. Weeks before her freshman year began, Vasil attended a volleyball camp and instantly fell in love with the sport.
She always enjoyed watching volleyball on television, particularly the USA volleyball team in the Olympics, and decided to give it a try once she arrived at Wellesley High.
During the fall volleyball season she has to balance a busy schedule of two games and four practices each week with her schoolwork.
“Coach[Alice] Liao always makes sure that school comes first before any sports,” Vasil said.
In the offseason, Vasil stays in shape by training at the school’s gym. She also plays for an area club volleyball team, facing competition from all around New England, and participates in volleyball camps throughout the summer.
This was reposted with the permission of The Wellesley Townsman.
