How Passion, Team Spirit, and a Pre-Game Ritual Shaped a High School Volleyball Standout

By Caitlin Cunningham and Sienna Ciurlino

Senior Alivia Leuzzi joined the Neumann Goretti girls’ volleyball team as a sophomore without prior experience, quickly finding her passion for the game, her teammates, and the shared memories. Now a skilled libero and defensive specialist, Alivia’s primary role is to execute perfect passes that set up her teammates for successful plays. When asked about her most memorable game, she recalls a triumphant 3-0 win against Little Flower, a victory that marked her last game and held special meaning.

Alivia’s game-day rituals reflect her focus and dedication. To prepare, she follows a pre-game playlist, warms up with teammates, and performs a unique ritual of wiping the bottom of her shoes three times—a routine that has helped her stay focused and ready to compete. Balancing her many school activities with volleyball hasn’t always been easy, but Alivia manages her time by completing schoolwork during the day, freeing her up for practice after school.

One of Alivia’s biggest challenges was building her confidence on the court, especially as a beginner. Thanks to her previous coach, Joyner, who believed in her early on, she worked hard to overcome self-doubt. Looking ahead, Alivia plans to carry her love for volleyball into college, with a simple goal: to always keep her passion alive. Her advice to new players? “Work hard, and don’t beat yourself up over mistakes.”