Beginning the 2018 season, no one could have predicted the type of season that the Pope John XXIII Girls Volleyball Team are having. After finishing 2017 with an 8-17 record, new head coach Braulio Rivera was uncertain what to expect. “I only knew a few team players from seeing them at my club,” said Rivera. “But, when we started practicing, I quickly got a sense that the team was much better than their record would lead you to believe.” Coach Braulio sensed correctly because Pope John currently leads the NJAC-National Division at 10-1, one of its best starts in many years.
Coach Rivera’s understated, calm style belies his depth of experience. He is a highly accredited USA Volleyball coach and is the owner and Head Coach of Xtreme Volleyball Academy in Ledgewood. Now, he could add high school girls’ volleyball varsity coach to his range of experience. “Volleyball is pretty much a 24/7 affair in my house,” said Rivera. “Currently, I’m very focused on Pope John and I’m very excited at the possibilities for my team. Then, it’s onto Club travelling season which goes from November to May each year followed by beach volleyball and around we go.”
When asked how he keeps up with that exhausting schedule Rivera replied, “I love the game. I love to see the players I coach improve and gain confidence. It doesn’t seem like work.” In addition, Coach Rivera considers himself a student of the game. “I’m always interested in learning about new training techniques and tools. My all year commitment to the sport enables me to experiment and refine ideas over time.”
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What the next part of the season holds for Pope John, nobody knows. In his typically low-key style, Coach Braulio concludes, “If we just keep executing the way we are, I’m very optimistic for the outcome of the season.”
