Senior Mele Coral-Blagojevich played in All-American Volleyball Game

by Daniella Gross

It wasn’t the spotlights, cameras, ESPN broadcasters and college scouts in the audience that made her sweat. It was simply the nerves she regularly experienced before any normal volleyball game. Clearing her mind with a deep breath, Senior Mele Coral-Blagojevich was ready to play in the All-America Under Armour Volleyball Game in Orlando, Florida.

While playing in a tournament last year, she got recruited for a volleyball camp where 26 girls would later be selected to participate on the All-American level. Those girls were split evenly into two teams, Team Speed and Team Phantom. After a day for arrival and two days to train, the fourth day was for the big game.

“The game was honestly so much fun. From the start of the trip, we were pampered and taken care of really well, which not a lot of people get to experience, so that was something I felt grateful for. I got to meet a lot of new people and was surrounded by girls who love their sport, so I made lots of good connections,” Coral-Blagojevich said.

Coral-Blagojevich says that the most memorable moment was when her team, Team Speed, won.

“It was just like a big dog pile and everyone was hugging. It was a very sweet moment,” Coral-Blagojevich said. “I kind of forgot that it was being broadcasted on live television, and I heard that there were a few pro-scouts in the audience. But I wasn't trying to impress them, I was just focused on having fun.”

Being among the best in the country,

Coral-Blagojevich felt “blessed” because of the opportunity she was granted.

“There are only six spots on the court and not everyone gets to play the whole game, but I was able to be on the court which was amazing,” Coral-Blagojevich said. “I think it goes to show that no matter who’s on your team—the best people in the country or not good players—the most important thing is that you still add to your team. Being a good teammate and bringing energy remains true no matter who is on the court.”

“I've struggled with confdence in the past; it wavered from time to time. But this opportunity taught me that it’s okay to take risks,” Coral-Blagojevich said.

Volleyball coach and government teacher Tommy Chaffns has known Coral-Blagojevich prior to her joining the team at RUHS. Meeting her parents at a graduation party for a former RUHS volleyball player, he had no idea that their daughter would go on to be one of the top 20 players in the country.

“She was so advanced even before she came here. If anything, I tried to make sure her natural talents and leadership abilities were not restricted in any way because she excelled in those areas,” Chafns said. “I remember the frst time I watched her play. She was so skilled, graceful and powerful. I thought to myself, whoever gets to coach her is going to be very lucky, so that was an awe- some coincidence.”

Chafns is sad to see Coral-Blagojevich go but knows the team will retain the lessons of leadership that she displayed ever since she set foot on campus four years ago.

“She is a phenomenal leader. She holds her teammates accountable and celebrates others' successes just as much as her own,” Chafns said. “In her freshman year, she led us when we won CIF, which I've never seen any other freshman do.”

Playing club volleyball since she was seven, Coral-Blagojevich has been surrounded by volleyball since she was small. When her mom who coaches volleyball frst introduced her to the sport, she was immediately drawn to it.

“Whenever I would play volleyball around my mom, I would always be really happy. That’s something that still keeps me going today, my love for [the sport],” Coral-Blagojevich said.

As Coral-Blagojevich looks forward to attending Oklahoma University to play college volleyball, she hopes to have the opportunity to play overseas or for the U.S. in the future.

“I want to take volleyball as far as my body will let me,” Coral-Blagojevich said.