Chiara Mongelluzzo is a Junior at Greater Latrobe High School and is Junior co-captain as well as starting outside hitter on the Latrobe Wildcats Girls Volleyball team. Mongelluzzo has been playing ever since she was ten years old. “I’ve honestly tried out every sport in the book, and volleyball was the only one I fell in love with,” said Mongelluzzo.

Mongelluzzo has worked hard to become captain, “I’ve always wanted to be captain of the team, and strived to make it a goal for myself. I always try to be the most vocal and confident person on the court, and someone who can lift my teammates up when needed.” With being captain comes a considerable amount of responsibility. Between putting the team first, balancing life as a high school student and athlete, and making time for herself, Chiara is always on top of it.

“Volleyball has impacted my life greatly, especially throughout high school. Once I started my freshmen year, I played club volleyball for Westmorland Elite. It was the best experience of my life, and I would do it all over again if I could. I played club again in my sophomore year too. I play from November to May, so I get about one and a half months off a year. It’s definitely tiring and sometimes stressful, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” Through it all, Chiara still manages to be a fantastic captain

“I think leadership has a more personal side to it, that most people don’t see. It’s not about being the “boss” of the team, but someone your teammates trust and rely on. Since I’m out there with them, I’ll always try my best to help them and stick up for them whenever needed. Being a leader isn’t about being in control, it’s about how you treat and play with the people you love,” said Mongelluzzo.

Chiara couldn’t do it without her friends and family by her side. “My biggest supporters are definitely my parents and my siblings. They’ve always been there for every game, even if they were streaming it in Michigan six hours away. I’d also have to say former GLHS volleyball player Paige Watson has been one of the biggest supporters in my life, and my biggest role model.” But most importantly, Mongelluzo couldn’t do it without her team. “The volleyball team is a group of my best friends. I’ve been playing with most of my fellow juniors for as long as I can remember, even back to CDT. We don’t really know volleyball without each other. These girls never fail to make me smile, and can always turn a bad practice into a good one. My favorite thing the girls say is, “Play for the person next to you.” It doesn’t matter the score, or how well you’re doing, as long as you’re playing for the person next to you, you’re doing it right. There’s no better feeling than winning with your best friends.”