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10/06/2023 08:34 AMWhether it is gliding across the dance floor, or maneuvering herself around the volleyball court, Sam Melillo has always been fast on her feet, and is setting the North Branford volleyball team up for its most successful campaign in recent memory.
The T-Birds’ junior started dancing at the age of 4, and still dances to this present day. However, in sixth grade, she gravitated towards the hardwood of volleyball, thanks to the influence of her older sister. This fall as a setter for North Branford, she has aided the T-Birds’ flight to a 5-2 start through the first month of regular season competition. She has nabbed 88 points and fired 24 aces to go along with 90 assists and 49 digs.
“I like the aspect of being on a team with volleyball, and I have always had the motivation to improve. I also opened up to new players, which made me want to get better,” says Sam. “The high school season is a short period of playing time, so I have done club volleyball teams in the offseason, and working with different coaches on different teams has helped me. My older sister has also helped me with different aspects of my position. My footwork from dance has helped me in volleyball. As a setter, I have to dive for anything, and so dance has given me speed on the court.”
At the setter position, Sam is paramount to every point produced in any given match. She gets to pick and choose her spots when it comes to handing the ball off for the potential kill, while additionally being quick on her feet and between her ears.
“I love that I get to run the court and make plays. I also have to call for help and set the ball up to the player I feel I can set up the best for the scenario,” Sam says. “It can be hard getting to every ball. You rely on others to pass to you, so you can mess up the play if you are not there in time. You have to have fast reaction time and know what you want to do when the ball comes to you.”
Garnering so many touches in every set, Sam surmises that she will also face the most errors on the court, though, she takes a professional and positive approach to that trait–knowing that it just gives her a grander opportunity to learn and move on that much swifter.
“I have improved well upon making mistakes and dealing with them,” says Sam. “Because I touch the ball the most, I am likely to make the most mistakes, but I have learned how to brush it off and to not dwell on it. My teammates have helped me not think about the mistakes too much. I realize that mistakes happen.”
North Branford volleyball Head Coach Tori Ramada denotes that the time clock Sam has punched in away from the Thunderbirds has helped the entire squad have some fantastic shifts on the floor, due in large part to her also infectious passion.
“Sam has been a fantastic asset to our team. She has been setting for varsity for the last two years, and has grown so much as a player and person,” says Ramada. “She has put in so much time in the offseason to improve her skills and work with the team to be successful. She is passionate and determined. The team feeds off of her energy during matches. We are very excited to see what she brings throughout the rest of the season.”
This season thus far has brought forth the most prominence and proficiency Sam has seen during her tenure with the Thunderbirds. She adds that in order for North Branford to parlay this hot start into postseason appearances on conference and state levels, they must not get too ahead of themselves while manifesting victories in their minds.
“We have not had a great team record the last few years, and so this year we want to improve on our record from past years and make it to Shorelines and states,” says Sam. “Five is the most wins we have had since I have been here, so we have to just power through, know we can win these games ahead, and just work even harder.”
As she looks to keep on the court once she embarks on college, Sam is still focused on the remaining time ahead of her as an upperclassman for North Branford, and would like to rack up some personal accolades prior to graduation. Finally, staying on the subject of setting and achieving goals, Sam states that no objective is impossible when you are suited up with armor of dedication and desire to succeed.
“I am hoping to play volleyball in college, but I am hoping to make the All-Shoreline Conference Team this year, either First Team, Second Team, or Honorable Mention,” Sam says. “Through volleyball and sports, I have learned that you must work hard no matter what or how tired you may be. You have to push through, because it will benefit you. Whenever I am tired, I just keep telling myself that I know I am getting better. Practice makes perfect, and you have to put in the work if you really want something.”