Bolingbrook Senior Regalado Motivates Varsity Underclassmen

In any facet of life, the leadership role is a difficult task to take on. The role becomes exponentially more difficult as a high school senior.

But in the case of Bolingbrook senior server Juan Regalado, had to assume role by default.

Regalado is the sole returning senior starter from the Bolingbrook's volleyball team this season.

The Bolingbrook Raiders are heavy with underclassmen, yet have compiled a 8-7-1 (1-3) record.

Following an emotional win against Stagg last week, and a 25-20, 25-21 loss to Andrew Tuesday, Bolingbrook head coach Andrea Bercot reflected on her senior captain’s progress.

Regalado finished with two aces, two kills and one dig.

“(Juan) has done a great job this year,” Bercot said. “Juan was more of the quiet one coming into the leadership role. He likes to keep the atmosphere light. He helps the guys gain confidence and pushes them hard. He really wants to win.”

How did Regalado assume this role?

It could be the experience he has attained seeing upperclassman go through the system like graduated hitter Nick Tate. It could be the aspect of leading by example.

But maybe it comes to him naturally.

Regalado is bringing his discipline and leadership aspects to fight for our country. He plans to join the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation.

“It was kind of tough coming in as a leader,” said the aspiring Semper Fidelis. “It is all about communication. Now we are all really good friends off the court.

“I couldn’t do any of this by myself. The young guys are learning quick. They all have skills. (Bolingbrook junior outside hitter Jeffrey) Cooper, (junior outside hitter) Shawn (Sanghera) and (junior server) Matt (Peloquin) are really making an impact. Things are easier with them on the court," Regalado said.

Regalado is all but set on joining the Marines, but could change his decision if a scholarship was offered his way. Regalado desires to major in psychology.

When Regalado graduates, the leadership gig is likely to be passed to Sanghera, who recorded a match-high nine kills, two digs and a block in the Andrew loss.

“Shawn (Sanghera) is coming into the same role that Juan (Regalado) is,” Bercot said. “He basically leads by example. He is very consistent. He knows exactly what to do when a set is going his way. If it’s coming to him, we know what he will do with it.”

Sanghera was promoted from the sophomore team last season during regionals.

Even though Sanghera’s prominence has given him an early election to leadership role, he still learns from Regalado.

“Oh man, we strive off of (Regalado),” Sanghera said. “He’s the most experienced guy up here. In practice, (Regalado) is the first on here and the last one to leave. During crunch time, we rally around him.”

As a junior, Sanghera said he aspires to play at the college level.

“When I’m a senior I want kids to look up to me like Juan (Regalado) and Nick Tate,” Sanghera said. “I want people to know I’m a leader through production and by my leadership. I want push everyone like Coach B (Bercot).”

Regalado, Sanghera and the volleyball Raiders return to action Thursday against Lockport to boost their Southwest Suburban Conference record.

“We have started with a high energy level, but lose focus,” Regalado said of the Raiders' losses this season. “Part of it is that we don’t have a lot of experience. We shut down on runs. We need to pick it up on offense and defense and keep the energy level up like how we start it.”