Ellwood Fall Sport Senior Q&A: Part 1

School is back in full swing and so are high school sports!

Football and Volleyball are among the popular sports for students at Lincoln.

We caught up with the coaches of those teams to see what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming rivalries

“We are just trying to get a little bit better everyday,” said football coach Joseph Lamenza.

For Volleyball Coach Jenna Ricciuti, this is a unique season.

“This is a very special volleyball season for myself and the team,” she said. “This group of seniors were 7th graders when I first took the position of Head Coach at Ellwood City, so we started this journey together. I have had the privilege of watching these girls grow as players and young women and I could not be more proud. This 2019 Ellwood City Volleyball team brings an energy that is unmatched. We have been preparing in the off-season and cannot wait for the competition to unfold. We expect to do big things this season and hope that the community of Ellwood City will come to support us and enjoy a few matches.”

Some of Lincoln High School seniors offered perspective on the season ahead and their plans for the future.

This is part one of a two part series featuring Lincoln High School seniors in fall sports.

Football: Storm Chambers

How many years have you been playing football? 7 years

What is your favorite part of playing football? Getting to be physical & bonding with my teammates.

How have you and your team been getting ready for the new season? We have been trained by a certified speed trainer. Our physical conditions have never been finer.

Who do you feel is your biggest rivalry this upcoming season? Definitely Riverside

What is one skill you have learned from football that you will utilize in your future and how? I learned how to delegate responsibility. This skill will carry onto my college and future employment.

What are your future plans after graduation? I plan to practice physical therapy

Will you continue to play sports after high school? Most likely

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Volleyball: Saylee Grinnen

Photo Credit Next Level Photography

How many years have you been playing volleyball? I have been playing volleyball with the high school for 6 years and I’ve been playing on a club team in Neshannock for the past 2 years.

What is your favorite part of playing volleyball? My favorite part of playing volleyball is getting to play  with the amazing girls on my team. They are always there for me and we have each others backs it truly feels like a family.

How have you and your team been getting ready for the new season? We have been working out and conditioning all summer along with team bonding and mental toughness.

Who do you feel is your biggest rivalry this upcoming season? Our main rivalry has been Neshannock but Laurel has a good program  and they will be a tough team to play.

What is one skill you have learned from volleyball that you will utilize in your future and how? One skill I’ve learned from volleyball would be time management. As a student athlete we balance so much, from academics, college classes and practices I think knowing how to manage my time and get everything done will definitely help me in my future.

What are your future plans after graduation? Will you continue to play sports after high school? I hope to continue my volleyball and academic career studying orthodontics at Westminster College.