Stakaj Stands Tall for T-Birds’ Volleyball

Franceska Stakaj speedily fell in love with volleyball following becoming launched to the activity by her family. Now a senior on the North Branford girls’ volleyball staff, Franceska has transformed herself into a pivotal member of the varsity squad as a setting up center hitter.

Franceska initial started actively playing volleyball at North Branford Intermediate Faculty in 8th grade. Franceska’s mother Mirela played the sport even though expanding up in Europe, and her more mature sister Emanuela competed for the T-Birds. With her uncle Arthur also in the blend, Franceska grew up participating in a good deal of volleyball and was inspired by her spouse and children to be part of the substantial university program.

“My mom played volleyball in high faculty, and my older sister performed, as perfectly. I was influenced by them to play,” suggests Franceska. “I would usually perform with them outside. Any possibility I had to participate in, I’d be a part of in. I am very tall, so they encouraged me to check out out for the crew.”

Volleyball immediately clicked for Franceska as soon as she started off participating in the activity. While she experienced formerly tried swimming and dance, Franceska discovered that volleyball was a greater in shape. In addition to her sister, Franceska’s new teammates built her experience welcome the instant that she stepped on the court docket.

Franceska performed for North Branford’s JV staff as a freshman. Her sister was a senior at the time. When it was a little bit nerve-wracking to perform significant college volleyball at 1st, Franceska acquired a ton of aid from her fellow Thunderbirds.

“I was incredibly frightened. But I had my more mature sister together with me to mentor me and welcome me to the workforce. Lots of of my other good friends ended up on the team, as well,” Franceska states. “I felt extremely close and safe on the staff.”

Franceska continued enjoying JV for most of her sophomore period. Even so, in North Branford’s past frequent time match, an away video game versus Hand, Franceska stepped on the varsity floor as a sub for the Thunderbirds. Franceska’s coaches observed the probable in her, and she felt proud of herself for finding a varsity nod in only her third yr of participating in volleyball.

Franceska carried that momentum into her junior time, when she became a varsity starter for North Branford as a middle hitter. Franceska states that creating the entire-time jump to varsity was a major changeover as she now experienced far more obligations on her shoulders.

“I had a really significant soar. I was starting varsity middle,” suggests Franceska. “Everyone anticipated me to be intense at the web and do my task.”

Franceska has been a center hitter at any time due to the fact she begun enjoying volleyball. By the years, Franceska, who stands 5 ft, 11 inches, has learned that the placement is all about aggressiveness and one’s skill to get to the ball, no matter if that be on offense or protection.

“It’s a tricky position. You have to operate again and forth from each side, subsequent the ball and blocking the ball. You have to be aggressive,” Franceska states. “Everyone expects you to go get the blocks. Absolutely everyone counts on me, mainly because I’m tall and daunting. But I’m just a sweet girl who loves the activity.”

Although she is aware of that becoming intense is a essential ingredient of enjoying middle hitter, Franceska admits that it wasn’t her strongest suit as a freshman. Even so, in the course of her time with the T-Birds, Franceska’s household, coaches, and teammates have helped her come to be extra self-confident on the court docket, thereby allowing for her to remain aggressive and retain a level head no issue what.

“As a freshman, I was not quite intense. Every person observed it. I was afraid to strike the ball. But acquiring my dad and mom, siblings, and coaches aid force me via it, I have gotten more aggressive,” suggests Franceska. “I’m proud of myself. Even if I make a blunder, I shake it off and notify myself I’ll get the future a single.”

As she finishes out her time with the T-Birds, Franceska is excited to carry on building chemistry with her teammates in North Branford’s quest to make the Shoreline Meeting Match. Immediately after graduation, Franceska is hoping to participate in volleyball in college or university, though pursuing a occupation in both actual physical treatment or dermatology.

Franceska normally feels proud to don her Thunderbirds’ jersey on the volleyball courtroom. Gain or eliminate, Franceska would like her teammates to know that they can rely on her in any scenario.

“I’m pretty very pleased to compete with North Branford. The instances we have experienced with each other, whether tough or very good, I’ve generally been happy of every person,” Franceska claims. “I hope absolutely everyone ends with a great time. I’m constantly there, I’ll generally be there to aid. I’m a human being you can depend on.”