THS Volleyball Seniors Ready to Lead by Example

Tewksbury High volleyball coach Jim Ray knows that being in a league with strong competition builds strong character.

The evidence is clear that this has paid dividends for his girls, as his seniors come into the 2010 season polished and ready to lead by example.

"Our seniors have been with us since freshman year, and year after year they live up to the pressure to perform. I'll be looking to them to lead the team this year," says Ray.

Ray, of course, doesn't have to look further than his senior captains Ali Remigio and Jess Bridle if he's looking for direction for his underclassmen. But is doesn't all come from the top, either.

Junior captain Allie Luppi is a "great, hard-hitting player" that will continue the level of excellence that Ray has instilled in his players after his seniors move on.

The team finished at 8-11 overall in 2009, but in such a deep, competitive league, such a record can be deceiving.

Ray knows that all the schools in the league are "great." Eight of the teams made the state playoffs last season, with two of them (Notre Dame and Central Catholic) competing for titles. But as long as his squad "puts their best foot forward, they can break through to the front of the pack."

He'll have plenty of talent to work with, such as senior opposite Renee Conlin, and sophomores Kelli Sugrue, a middle blocker, and Tiffanie Marsh, a defensive specialist. Additionally, he has senior Amanda Fleming, the team's libero, a versatile defensive specialist that can replace any back row player, a key position that was brought to international play in 1998.

Senior Shelby Tomic, a right side hitter, and Alina Rosmarinofski will also factor in heavily, as the coach knows that "hitting and defense will carry (them)."

The team has a medley of young and old, but so far, so good, as the discrepancy in ages doesn't seem to matter and the lineups are gelling already.

Last season, Ray's team participated in a tournament in Milford that allowed them to play against powerhouse teams like Barnstable and Milford, giving the girls a tune up for the tough run of conference play in what he calls the "toughest volleyball league in the state." Tewksbury will be returning to the tourney this year looking to get some of the same experience that seems to go so far in developing a strong team.

But Coach Ray knows that while experience is crucial to the growth of his team, he urges his girls to become students of the game. "Learn as much about the game as possible. Learn from other teams. Emulate other teams – and not just the good ones. Learn from the mistakes of the teams we beat."

Overall, Ray is very positive regarding the upcoming season, knowing that he has a great, deep team that will continue to progress after a successful 2009 season despite suffering from untimely illnesses and injuries.

One thing's for sure – they won't be lacking in leadership.

The season kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at Stoneham High School.

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