Wanting to try something new sophomore year, Mikelangelo Brutto (12) found volleyball liking the sport’s fast pace and intensity. By joining a new sport, Brutto had to learn the ins and outs of the game along with overcoming personal challenges. 

“I definitely wanted to try something new, and I found out that I liked it a lot and had a lot of fun doing it,” Brutto said. “I feel like it would have been nicer to learn more about it and actually go to more games and see how the flow of the game works before actually playing.”

Going into volleyball, Brutto did not have much experience with the sport, creating a few challenges. However, with time and a good attitude he learned to overcome those challenges.

“The most challenging part of it though was probably mental,” Brutto said. “Sometimes it’s just easy to get upset and you just gotta keep pushing through and keep a positive mindset while you play.”

Pushing past these challenges, Brutto became the school’s team captain.

 “Making the all region team and playing pretty well made me feel like I’ve learned a lot in just three years of playing and I’ve really improved each year,” Brutto said.

Getting the position of captain has taught Brutto many leadership skills that continue to aid him on and off the court.

“Definitely leadership and learning to work with others helps you with a job and learn to get close,” Brutto said. “It lets you become friends with your coworkers or teammates, and it definitely helps you with getting comfortable and working well together.”

Brutto has come a long way from his sophomore year, now planning to continue playing volleyball in college and majoring in either accounting or finance.