From The Bench: Alex Ferriouolo Named NHGVB Captain for 2020

I ran into Alex Ferriouolo at a NH basketball game in the fall of 2019 while I was taking photos. I asked her if she was ready to get back on the softball field. Her eyes lit up and a big smile came over her and she said, “Yes! I am so ready!” This girl loves sports and shes great at them!

I have been watching Alex Ferriouolo play sports from the time my daughter and her became friends and attended Montowese School. You could see her athleticism and leadership qualities by just watching her play at recess. It didn’t surprise me when I found out she was named Captain of the North Haven’s Girls Volleyball team for 2020 season. Congratulations Alex! I spoke with her mom and her and I was able to ask her a few questions.

What have you learned about teamwork from playing sports?

“I have been playing sports for my entire life. Whether it be sports in my past like basketball or cross country, more recent like volleyball, or my entire life like softball, I have learned so many valuable lessons. Teamwork is an essential part of any sport that you play. Teamwork doesn't only mean working together during a game or match it means so much more than that. Being a part of so many teams in my life has taught me that teams are more than just a group of girls who play the same sport as you; They are people that you can trust with anything, people that push you to be stronger and player harder than you did yesterday. Teamwork is a bond that is essential not only for success in a game, but success as a person in everyday life.”

What has been your biggest challenge in sports?

“My biggest challenge in sports has always been being brave enough to use my voice during a game and take charge with what needs to be done. This has been hard for me because ever since freshman year I have been playing shortstop for the Varsity softball team and it has been extremely nerve-racking to speak my opinion in front of many girls that were older and more experienced than me. I believe however that my junior volleyball season was a complete eye-opener for me, which really triggered me to start using my voice on the court. I became someone who was able to lead my team when we began to fall behind. I was a junior Libero playing with other senior starters, which was scary of course, but once the season had started, my confidence kicked in and I was able to remind my team of what to do in certain situations, and they even looked to me in times of need. It was really rewarding.”

As captain of the team all the players especially the younger ones will look up to you. What are some of the leadership skills that you have seen from previous captains that you will use leading this year’s team?

“Being captain of my volleyball team this season is an amazing honor. I love and respect every single girl that I have ever played with. I take this job extremely seriously and am always looking to better myself as a leader. I will follow what previous captions have done in the past because they have been very successful in creating team bonding and making us feel like one complete unit. I want to carry that over into this season, but most importantly I want to be extremely welcoming to new players and be someone that anyone on the team can look to if they ever need anything, or even if they just need a friend. I want to not only have a great team bond, but also push my team to work extremely hard during practices and games so each of us can be the best version of ourselves.”

What are some of the career areas you are exploring after high school?

“I am not entirely sure of what I want to do after high school, but I know that I want to help people in any way that I can. I truly enjoy working with a variety of people, especially with disabilities. I love teaching and being a person that can impact someone’s life, even if it is in a very small way. I think I would definitely enjoy being a teacher, counselor, or aid after high school.”

What kind of training will you are doing over the summer to get ready for Volleyball?

“I am so excited to begin to train again in the summer for volleyball next season and I have already started. Every morning I wake up at 7:30, get dressed and go for a run around my neighborhood at 8:00. After that I do a variety of different workouts to improve on my conditioning and make my body stronger for the season. The way I prepare for the volleyball aspect is I go into my yard with my dad and he will hit down ball after down ball to practice my passes. Also I am excited to say I will be speaking with Coach Bri , Coach PK and Mr. B our athletic director to discuss any activities the team can do individually and hopefully together over the summer, as long as it’s safe and what the CIAC allows.”

Alex we are looking forward to seeing you and your teammates back out on the court in the fall of 2020 as long as everything is safe. We all know you have great things ahead of you. Your community and I wish you and your teammates all the best.

Mark Curcio

From The Bench