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11/04/2021 12:00 AMAfter swimming for several years, Maren Hill was approached by North Haven girls’ volleyball Head Coach Brianna Kleckner about potentially joining the team at the high school. Maren took up Kleckner’s offer and has gone on to become a force for North Haven, earning her spot as a varsity starter in her junior season.
Maren’s journey through the volleyball world started in the North Haven Middle School library, where Kleckner asked her if she wanted to try the sport once she reached high school. As lifelong swimmer, Maren now had to make a big decision. After taking part in some offseason clinics, Maren decided to join Coach Kleckner and company on the North Haven girls’ volleyball squad.
“I really liked it a lot. It was just something I was really passionate about right from the beginning. It was a hard decision since I had been swimming since I was five and they’re in the same season. But I really loved volleyball,” says Maren. “The coaches have been so patient and encouraging. They’ve allowed us to grow as players and people. I’m really glad I made that decision.”
Maren played setter for North Haven’s JV team as freshman. The season proved a great experience for Maren as her coaches helped her get acclimated to the sport.
Maren continued playing JV during her sophomore year, but started dressing for varsity practices by the end of the season. That year, Maren moved from setter to right-side hitter, where she currently plays. Now an established offensive force, Maren says that throwing down a kill for North Haven is an unbelievable feeling. Maren has 131 kills on the season.
“It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s not just you that gets the feeling. You got it for your team,” Maren says. “When someone gets a really good kill, that energy is the best feeling ever. Everyone is happy for everyone. We’re really such a close team.”
Now a junior, Maren is a full-time varsity starter on the right side for a North Haven club that went 16-4 in the regular season and then won its first SCC Tournament contest. Maren credits this year’s senior captains, Hannah Auddino and Caroline Toni, for helping her develop her volleyball skills to become valued member of the program.
“It’s definitely a commitment, but I love it so much. The captains’ commitment and leadership has inspired me and everyone so much,” says Maren. “I’ve learned so much about how to be a great teammate. They’ve taught me how to stay positive in hard times.”
After convincing Maren to play volleyball, Coach Kleckner feels proud to see her starting varsity as a junior. Kleckner says that Maren has progressed immensely on the court to become one of North Haven’s top offensive players.
“Maren has improved tremendously this season because of how hard she works and how passionate she is about volleyball. We truly could not be more proud of her,” Kleckner says. “Maren has become one of our most reliable sources of offense and we cannot wait to see what her future holds her at North Haven.”
With Maren, Kleckner found a player who helps spark North Haven’s offense. In turn, Maren says that Kleckner and Assistant Coach Kristen Bataille have helped her become the volleyball player that she is today.
“My freshman year, I was pretty bad. I had just started the sport. But the coaches have worked with each of us individually and have helped us develop,” says Maren. “They recommended that I play over the summer. The coaches taught me all the skills I needed to know. I have really learned from them.”
Maren loves being part of the teamwork that’s needed to succeed on the volleyball court. Maren says that she’s found the best group of people to compete with as member of the North Haven girls’ volleyball team.
“It’s really an honor to compete on this team. I’m so proud and honored to represent the school and the team,” Maren says. “Our school’s student section has really supported us this season. It feels great to be so involved in the community. The captains have helped me develop on and off the court and I am so grateful for them.”