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12/25/2019 11:00 PMAfter playing just 26 sets during her first two years as a member of the East Haven volleyball squad, Carly Cordova stepped up in a major way for the Yellowjackets this season. Carly, a junior, finished the year with 150 kills, which was the second most on the team, to go along with 141 digs and 43 aces at the outside hitter position. Carly’s offseason preparation had her ready to make a difference with the Easties.
“I had to work really hard this offseason just to get better at hitting, because we had major losses on the outside,” says Carly. “I had to step it up this season to get some points in for the team, and I think all of the work I put in through the offseason and during the season helped me accomplish my goal.”
Carly was proud of how she performed in her first year as a regular member of East Haven’s varsity lineup. Carly’s total of 150 kills was a dream come true for the junior.
“I think my kills just shot up because of my hard work. Breaking 100 was a very big accomplishment for me,” Carly says. “Since I only had eight last year, it was a huge jump. It made me feel like I really filled the shoes of the past outside hitters.”
After making a name for herself on the varsity floor, Carly has been named one of East Haven’s senior captains for next season. Head Coach Craig Brown says that he expects Carly to take another leap forward on the heels of her great junior campaign.
“Carly started every match all year and was a little slow adapting to the speed of the game, but halfway through, things started clicking, and she was putting the ball away,” says Brown. “We’re expecting a lot from her. I expect her to take a firm stance as leader. Carly wants to get better, and we want her to push that mentality to the rest of the program. That’s how we’re going to succeed at a high level as a program.”
Carly played a little bit as a sophomore thanks in part to her passing ability from the back line. Carly feels that she’s well-suited to play that position, but plans to continue working with Coach Brown on the mechanics of her swing to continue improving on the offensive end.
“It’s always been my position, because I’m a good passer, so that got me into the game a lot,” says Carly. “I can also jump really high, and I’m strong. I’m working on picking spots on the court that are open to try to gain more points.”
Aside from volleyball, Carly also competes for the East Haven softball team in the spring. While she hasn’t carved out a major role just yet, Carly is hoping to play center field for Head Coach Ed Crisafi’s club next season. Carly likes the fact that several of her volleyball teammates also play softball.
“We all share the love for both sports, and the dynamic of both is so good. Both coaches are really good at creating welcoming environments,” Carly says. “I would love to play center field this spring. I’m working really hard to accomplish this goal by playing travel softball.”
Carly received a nice boost of confidence when she was selected as one of the captains for next year’s volleyball team. Carly hopes to help East Haven get back into the postseason and advance further than the team did this year.
“I’m very confident for next season. I think it’s going to be a really good season,” says Carly. “I’m striving to make the team dynamic upbeat and fun. I’m looking forward to playing with all the new girls and lead the team. I’m excited to try and qualify for another round of states.”