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06/30/2016 12:00 AMWhenever Rob Proto suited up for the Yellowjackets, he always wanted his teammates to feel a sense of togetherness as they worked together toward a common goal. That’s why Rob constantly made it a point to make the younger players on East Haven’s basketball and tennis teams feel welcome, especially in his recent senior season.
“I liked helping the younger guys and making them more comfortable and welcome to the team,” says Rob, who was a captain for the tennis squad. “It was fun. Every single time something needed to happen, they came to me and I would give the young guys advice, warm them to the team, and make them feel comfortable. It’s all about having fun and I’m a very welcoming guy, so they knew that they could come and talk to me and that I’m going to be there and not going to judge. Anybody can feel welcome knowing I’m there for them.”
Rob understood the importance of acclimating the Easties’ underclass athletes to the high school ranks. He knew that would only improve the overall results for each of his teams.
“I liked when I was an older guy to direct the younger guys,” says Rob. “I liked transitioning them to the high school role because we had a lot of young guys that played. I liked being a leader for them.”
Rob grew up playing basketball. He was primarily a guard in his early days, but as his high school career progressed, Rob transitioned to forward in order to benefit the Yellowjackets.
“I had to play a certain role that I wasn’t used to, but coach asked me to play. It wasn’t too hard of a transfer. I just had to get stronger to play down low,” says Rob. “I had to get stronger and tougher. Anything is really possible. I went from being a guard to playing a down-low role. I proved that I could make the transition. It’s just hard work and dedication.”
One of the perks for Rob that came from playing basketball was developing a relationship with assistant coach Rob Manghnani, who’s also the head coach of East Haven boys’ tennis. Manghnani convinced Rob to come out for the tennis team and Rob ultimately earned a spot in the varsity lineup.
“The first time I ever picked up a tennis racquet was my freshman year, when I was going to play, but I ended up breaking my elbow, so I didn’t play,” says Rob. “I had to sit out for three months, so it was tough, but once it was over, I got right back into sports and went out for the team again the next year.”
As a junior, Rob formed one half of East Haven’s No. 1 doubles pairing with Anthony Perrotti. The duo mowed down opponents in the SCC and competed in the State Championship meet.
“It was fun. Going out there and winning was a lot of fun. Me and him, we’re very competitive and hated to lose, so it was a great feeling to win,” says Rob. “We made it to states, but lost in the second round.”
Coach Manghnani says that Rob’s style of play is perfectly suited for the doubles game.
“Proto is more of a get to the net and put shots away type of player and, in most cases, spiked over the fence,” says Manghnani. “He is much more comfortable at the net and uses his quickness and instincts to react to counter his opponent’s shots.”
Rob played in the No. 2 singles slot for East Haven this spring, although he admits that he prefers playing doubles.
“It’s nicer having that extra guy out there. For singles, it’s just you and you have to go out there and play your game. I like having that extra guy out there motivating you,” says Rob. “I definitely like playing doubles better. I like getting to the net because I’m great at putting balls away and getting easy points. Getting an overhead, smashing it, and putting it way—there is nothing better than that.”
Looking back upon his Yellowjackets’ athletic career, Rob feels glad that Coach Manghnani recruited him to join the tennis team. Rob likes how tennis is a sport that he can play throughout the rest of his life.
“Being more athletic allowed me to get to balls and get to shots,” says Rob. “It’s great to be out there and having fun. I’m happy I picked it up. I play a lot. You only need another person. It’s a fun game to go out and hit around for a little bit to get your exercise in.”