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12/19/2023 11:02 AMIf you watched the Guilford girls’ volleyball team this fall, you would be hard pressed to find an aspect of the game not impacted by junior Sam Alberghini. She rarely leaves the court for the Grizzlies, displaying a versatility that has allowed her to stuff the stat sheet all season long, tallying 291 kills, 150 digs, 45 blocks, and 62 serving aces.
As a result of her all-around play, Sam earned Second Team All-State honors this season in Connecticut Class L.
Guilford volleyball Head Coach Marisa Ceneri recognizes Sam’s versatility as a key aspect of Guilford’s success. She felt confident that wherever Sam was on a particular play, that area of the court was covered.
“She’s not just a middle hitter,” says Ceneri. “She’s an all-around player. She’s able to bump the ball, dig the ball, her serving is phenomenal, her back row hitting is good, she can do it all.”
Sam makes an impact in whatever position she plays, but it’s on the offensive side of the court that Sam has the most fun, enjoying the teamwork and tactical side of the game. Her joy for offense had devastating impacts on opponents this year. The 291 kills Sam tallied were a sizeable jump from her sophomore year, nearly tripling her previous season’s total.
“I love playing offense, because you can be so aggressive with it,” says Sam. “I love playing defense, but I just enjoy offense more, there are so many different options and its just so fun.”
Still in her junior season, Sam looked up to her senior leadership for inspiration and support, and hoped to develop traits she can carry into her senior campaign next year.
“Our captain Grace has been instrumental for our success this season,” says Sam. “She’s such a great person to have on the court. She always has your back on the court. You know she’s right there next to you, helping you get the point.”
The Grizzlies hit their stride in October, rattling off six wins in a row. That stretch included a five-set victory vs. Sacred Heart, which Sam called her favorite win of the season.
“It was a back-and-forth game, and it was anyone’s game,” Sam says. “In the fifth set, we came out strong and finished strong.”
This year’s Guilford team has been building the chemistry and trust it takes to close out those hard-fought games since Sam’s freshman year, the same year Ceneri joined the team.
“(Coach Ceneri) has definitely helped me with my confidence on the court,” says Sam. “Her determination to just work hard and push me hard to become a better player has been a huge part of me getting better and better each year, so I thank her for that.”
Ceneri recalls meeting Sam in her freshman season, and notes that she had what it took to be an impact player for many years. Along with natural skill and athleticism, Ceneri points to Sam’s determination to improve her game year over year as a key factor in her growth into an All-State talent.
“She’s a great kid, when I saw her play freshman year, I knew that she was going to move up very quickly,” says Ceneri. “She has a good attitude, you can talk to her, she’s well liked by everyone, she always has a smile on her face, she’s very positive. Having that relationship with her got me to be a good coach.”
Sam began playing volleyball just five seasons ago in seventh grade. A gymnast growing up, she immediately fell in love with the team aspect of volleyball. Her love for the game extends beyond the high school season, as Sam plays for the CT Juniors travel team. On the travel team, Sam identifies the same keys to winning: communication and being aggressive.
“The games come down to the same thing, whoever’s the loudest and whoever is the most aggressive on the court,” Sam says. “There’s different plays that will be run in travel, but for the most part it is the same style of the game.”
Sam’s All-State honors will not sit alone in her trophy case. Earlier this season, she was also named to the SCC All-Academic team in recognition of her stellar record in the classroom. She hopes to pursue a degree in medicine or science after high school, and she of course hopes to continue her volleyball career at the next level.
“That was really a cool thing (SCC All-Academic) because I really enjoy school, so it was nice to receive that,” says Sam. “I would love to play volleyball in college, even if I don’t play at the division level, I would love to just continue the sport intramurally or however I can.”
Before moving on to the collegiate ranks, Sam has one more season to look forward to at Guilford, a season that brings with it big goals for her and the Grizzlies.
“One of our goals is to be division champions again,” says Sam. “Going into next year, I know it would be incredible to take SCCs, that would be a great goal. One goal would just be to continue growing as a team, and play better each game as the season goes on.”