Bump, set, spike.  This is the textbook execution to any volleyball game.  Junior Steven Lopez excels in all three of these main focuses.

“Steven leads the team with 47 kills, and he is also second leading the team in aces with seven in the course of four matches,” said Head Coach Maria Giamanco.

Lopez has been on the team since his freshman year and has influenced his teammates since the beginning.

“He is a very well-liked student athlete.  He helps with everything.  Steven helps his teammates get better while he is working on his own game, and he has a great work ethic.  If I had to describe him in one word as a player, it would be excellent,” said Giamanco.

Lopez and the volleyball team have started undefeated at 2-0, after beating Calhoun and East Meadow.

“The people who inspire me the most to be successful are my fellow teammates” said Lopez.

Despite his early success, he has not been playing the game for a long time.

“I first got involved with volleyball in 7th grade when I was looking for a new sport to play.  Coach G.  is an amazing coach.  She has taught me many new skills about the game over the past few years.  She has definitely helped shape me as a person and a player,” said Lopez.

Steven now plays volleyball year-round on club teams and for the school.  He has earned several awards for himself, including being named to  All-County and qualifying for All-Tournament team honorable mention.  The team has been named the New York State Scholar Athlete Champions of 2012.

“Our goal for this season as a team is to win the county finals.  From experience, we know that this will not come easy, we need to strive for it.  We work hard in practice everyday to try and achieve this goal,” said Lopez.

He became a role model to his team over the course of the years.  He has also been inspired from previous players on the team.

“When I first started volleyball, my role models were Seniors that were on the team.  They truly helped me get off to an amazing start and most importantly, the taught me to love the game” said Lopez.

At this point, Lopez and his team are aiming to make the playoffs.