SARATOGA SPRINGS — MaryClare Pikus, a senior at Saratoga Central Catholic, is a star on the volleyball court. She has been playing volleyball for the last six years.
“The season is going great! Everyone on the team is working really hard and giving it their all, every single game,” Pikus said.
Pikus’ sister was also a volleyball player and watching her play inspired her to give it a try.
“My older sister played volleyball in high school and I watched almost every game when I was younger. Watching her and her team work hard together made me want to play volleyball myself, and I did as soon as I could in seventh grade,” Pikus explained.
Aside from volleyball, she also played softball for six years and stopped last season.
Teamwork makes the dream work and Pikus is inspired and in awe of her team.
“We all get along so well and it makes the experience so much fun. Playing volleyball with my team is like playing with a group of my close friends. I am going to miss it very much,” she said.
While Coach Maria Izzo has high praise for Pikus, she has high praise for her beloved coach as well.
“Coach Izzo is a great coach. She always knows what to say and when to say it. She can pick us back up when we begin to fall down in games and tells us exactly what we need to hear,” Pikus complimented.
She credits her dad as her biggest supporter.
“He always comes to my matches, even if they are a long distance away. He always makes me feel better when I don’t play my best during tough matches,” she said. Pikus has big dreams for the next ten years. “I hope to be a neuroscientist and work on research to help those with memory issues and other diseases affecting the brain,” she stated.
To see Pikus and the Spa Catholic Saints in action, check out our Sports at a Glance page for upcoming matches.
