Former Townie is Latest To Play Volleyball For Rivier College

Following a stellar high school volleyball career at East Providence High School, Jessica Amaral became one of the top college prospects in the state. She was named First-Team All-State, and she led the Townies to the Division I state finals in her senior year in 2009.

Amaral decided to continue her career at Rivier College, becoming the latest in a line of East Providence players to attend the small Catholic
school in Nashua, NH.  

“Besides looking at Rivier College, I was also looking at other schools that recruited me for volleyball, as well as schools in Florida that had my major,” Amaral said. “Playing volleyball was definitely something I wanted to experience in college, and after my recruiting trip to Rivier, I knew that it was exactly the type of institution I wanted.”

Previous players from East Providence’s girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams whose careers flourished at Rivier include sisters Kori and Lindsay Chace, their brother Andy Chase and Zack Stedman. Kori was the conference Player of the Year in 2007, Lindsey played on conference championship teams in 2007 and 2008, Andy was a three-time All-American and conference Player of the Year in 2006 and Stedman was the conference Player of the Year for the New England section in 2005.

“All of the players we’ve had from East Providence have had a great base of skills and knowledge for volleyball; they have all been very athletic and really worked hard at their game,” said Craig Kolek, head coach of the Rivier men’s and women’s volleyball teams and associate athletic director.

Another trait the former Townies share is leadership. They all served as captains during their careers.

Just as Andy Chace was instrumental in Stedman attending Rivier, the Chace sisters played a major role in introducing the college to Amaral.

“The Chaces brought me up to Nashua to watch the 2010 Rivier team play against the alumni team,” recalled Amaral. “That night I bonded with the team. All of the girls were so welcoming to me, which really drove my decision to enroll at Rivier.”

Kolek followed Amaral’s accomplishments in high school and was impressed with her development.

“I recruited Jess a pretty good amount,” said Kolek. “She has a solid volleyball background from her dad, and you could tell she was ahead of the curve compared to other players her age. Her great ball control and scrappiness on defense really stood out.”

, has been the athletic director at East Providence High since 2006. He has been involved in volleyball as a player, a coach and an official for many years. He also met his wife, Gloria, through volleyball.

“My wife and I always encouraged our four kids to participate in sports and healthy activities,” Amaral said. “We would often bump the volleyball around at our house.”

When Paul began coaching in the developmental program of the Coastal Volleyball Club in New Bedford, he got Jessica and his other children involved.

Jessica remembers playing with the volleyball at home with her family as early as age 4 and playing for her father’s club team in New Bedford for the first time as an 8-year-old.

“My father has played a huge role in my development as a volleyball player, as well as my mother,” said Amaral. “Throughout the years, one of my family members and I would just pepper with each other, because it was something simple and fun to do.”

As a seventh-grader, Amaral started attending the summer volleyball camp at the high school, run by Luis Cavalho, who was the head coach at the time. Her progress while in middle school enabled her to play on the varsity team as a ninth-grader.

“We were very proud of Jessica playing on varsity as a freshman, especially seeing her play in the championship match,” said Paul. “That was special. Not too many kids get a chance to do that.”

High school coach recalls leadership

Current Townies coach Alex Butler worked closely with Amaral for most of her high school career after Carvalho retired. He recalled how vital she was to the team’s success.

“Jessica was the backbone of the Townie defense,” Butler said. “As the libero, all of the communication in the back row went through her. Jess took the role and ran with it.”

Amaral also made an impact from the service line.

“Many people didn’t realize how much Jessica’s serve was a valuable weapon,” added Butler. “She served in the state finals as a freshman and the pressure didn’t even faze her. Her float serve was lethal for our team.”

With all of the physical skills needed to play at the next level, the biggest challenge Amaral has faced at Rivier is adjusting to the mental aspect of the game.

“I was terrified the first time I played in a college game,” admitted Amaral, who also plays lacrosse at Rivier. “I was excited and nervous at the same time, so it took me a few games to get into my comfort zone.”

Some of Amaral’s nerves were a result of the pressure she places on herself to play at a high level.

“Jessica is such a competitor that she wants everything to be perfect,” said Kolek. “Adjusting her thinking to, it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you rebound from them, has been something she has needed to work on.”

College coach sees bright future

Amaral is the backup libero for the Raiders, but Kolek envisions her playing a much larger role down the road.

“I expect her to be our full-time libero next season,” predicted Kolek. “She has a ton of potential and I expect her to keep getting better. Jess easily could be the defensive player of the year for our conference her junior and senior seasons.”

For now, Amaral is focused on improving her passing and defense so she can help her team when she’s called upon.

“As the season unfolds, I envision my confidence growing on the court,” Amaral said. “I’m trying to improve my serve receive and at least get a touch on the ball when it’s about to hit the floor.”

Regardless of whether she’s on the court or the sidelines, Amaral has been a supportive teammate and positive influence.

“She has a charismatic personality, which makes it easy for the other players to like her,” Kolek said. “She’s a great teammate and is very easy to coach.”

Amaral’s family has made the hour and a half drive from East Providence to see her play for Rivier a few times. Of course, when the Raiders play in Rhode Island, it’s a must-see event for her family.

“I think my family is very proud of me,” Amaral. “It is difficult to keep up with your studies, play two sports and do work study. Hopefully I have set a good example for my siblings, and maybe inspire them to be college student-athletes in the upcoming years.”

Amaral has not only been an inspiration to her siblings, but also her former teammates.

“Jess left a big mark on this program,” Butler said. “The younger kids who she played with look up to her, and the next crop of players will hear about her as they move through the program. I have players
right now trying to reach her level.”