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11/10/2021 11:00 PMThe Guilford girls’ volleyball team lost its first three matches of the 2021 season, but Riley Mullett and the Grizzlies were determined to turn things around and have a successful year. Riley, a junior outside hitter, has played an integral role in Guilford’s resurgence as the Grizzlies rebounded to go 10-8 in the regular season, while qualifying for both SCCs and states.
Riley started playing volleyball in her freshman year at Guilford. Riley had never even touched a volleyball prior that, but she had friends who played the sport, and started to gain an interest.
“As soon as I went to the first team car wash the summer before my freshman year, I knew this was a program that I wanted to be a part of,” says Riley. “I never imagined that I would be playing varsity volleyball in my junior year, and I have this program and my wonderful coaches to thank for preparing me to play at such a competitive level.”
So far this season, Riley has tallied 102 digs, 63 kills, and 30 aces for the Grizzlies. Riley credits first-year Head Coach Marissa Ceneri for helping her make rapid improvements as she’s dedicated herself to the sport.
“This past summer, I attended some one-day camps, and I practiced with some friends. Whenever I have some spare time, I hit the ball against my garage” or got a friend to toss it to her, Riley says. “Coach Ceneri has brought a lot of enthusiasm to this team and program. She has committed a lot of time and effort into helping our team grow, and we are all very thankful for her. She is very responsive to the needs of our team and has been a huge support.”
One of Riley’s favorite aspects of volleyball is how it’s such a team-oriented game. Riley believes that unity both on and off the court is a critical component for any team to succeed.
“I love that volleyball is a team sport and requires players to work together to see success,” says Riley. “Our team is cohesive and never fails to bring energy to a game. We not only depend on each other to execute great plays, but also to support one another outside of volleyball. We’ve created a team culture that challenges us to play at our best in a very positive and nurturing environment.”
Guilford has an overall record of 11-9 as it participates in the Class L State Tournament this week. Of the Grizzlies’ 11 wins, the two that stick out to most to Riley both came against Shelton. Guilford defeated the Gaels in five sets in each of those two contests.
“This season, both of our tight matches against Shelton stand out as my favorite moments. We won both in nail-biting fifth sets—an accomplishment that none of us would have thought possible at the beginning of the season,” Riley says. “It showed our strong work ethic and the lessons we learned from battling challenging teams paying off.”
Aside from volleyball, Riley is also a singles player for the Guilford girls’ tennis team and will be serving as a captain in her junior campaign. Riley plays tennis on year-round basis by competing in USTA Tournaments and training with a local coach during the offseason.
“I played at the 2 singles spot last year for Guilford,” says Riley. “I am looking forward to leading the team as a captain this spring.”
Riley has appreciated every chance she’s had to compete throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Having fans in attendance for Guilford’s volleyball matches is making a huge difference this year, and Riley feels happy to hear them cheering for the Grizzlies.
“Last year, we weren’t able to have any fans at our games. This year, spectators are allowed, and they always fill the gym with noise and energy,” Riley says. “The crowd, which was at first a point of stress, has now become a game-day highlight.”
Guilford has the No. 20 seed in the Class L State Tournament and is playing 13th-seeded Kennedy in the first round this week. Riley has high hopes for the Grizzlies as they open play in states.
“We will be competing in Class L and facing a lot of new and challenging teams,” says Riley. “But we are entering this tournament playing some of the best volleyball we have all season.”