WOODBURY – During the Nonnewaug Chiefs last volleyball game of the season (the state semifinals), NHS lost the first two games and things weren’t looking good. However, in the mix of anxiously whispered nervousness and the sea of preemptive end-of-season tears, one voice came through.

“Come on guys, pick your heads up, don’t give up, we got this.” 

Lana Zupnick’s pep talk caused the previous worry and chatter to fade into a quiet of resilience and hope.

If anyone was going to pick us up in a time of despair, it would’ve been hers.

As one of two captains, the leading player in kills, and one of two players to make First Team All-State, Zupnick’s skill on the court was a critical piece in getting this year’s team as far as they went. This season NHS volleyball went further than ever before by getting to the semifinals, earning its place as the deepest run in school history. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the team’s leadership. 

Zupnick played a major role in this.  

Martin Malaspina,  longtime volleyball coach at NHS, acknowledges what she brought to the team on the court of competition. 

“She definitely was a huge part of our offense, and became a big part of our serve receive at the end of the year,” Malaspina said. “Offensively, she leads the team in kills, so I think that that’s going to be the biggest hole for us to fill next year.”

However, Zupnick’s talent won’t be the only aspect of her contributions that the team will feel next year as there’s an even bigger piece that’s going to be missing. 

She was not only crucial with her skill on the court, but also off. Her persistence and positive attitude throughout the season brought the team culture a long way. Malaspina knew things would change for the team without her mentality there, too.

“Obviously, she led the team in kills which is important, but her mentality, I would argue, is what made her as valuable as she was. She approached every single drill and every single rep with full focus and intensity and also full support of herself and her team,” Malaspina said. “She has the mentality of a division one player in that her memory is super short in terms of errors, so if she makes a mistake she wont let it impact her next play. If a teammate makes an error she’ll never get frustrated with them and she really just approaches every single play, and every single scenario kind of as a professional.” 

Zupnick’s empowering leadership always boosted the team up and made a difference for everyone on and off the court. The impact she had on her teammates will not be forgotten—even after she leaves. 

Rileigh Abed, freshman at Nonnewaug and one of Zupnick’s “little sisters” on the team this year, remembers the impact Zupnick made. 

“Lana’s an amazing role model. She works super hard and tries her best at everything,” Abed said. “I looked up to her on and off the court because she’s an incredible person. She was the one who would brighten up the court and I think it’s going to be less energetic and happy without her next year.” 

Zupnick knows that being a good leader means you have to be one off the court too. 

“Qualities for being a good leader are always being the voice, on the court, at practice, like anywhere. Always give tips and be kind about it.” Zupnick said. “Being a leader doesn’t even have to be on a sport. Just be a good friend, a good person and always encourage people to keep trying and to never give up. Be there for everyone.” 

Things will be hard after Zupnick leaves, but those she inspired will carry on what she taught. It is important that the team culture continues on to the following years so that they can continue to break records and thrive. Zupnick built a base for this that will inspire the future generations of volleyball at NHS. 

“I’m going to try and bring her qualities to the court next year,” Abed said. “Without her there I’ll carry on what she did. I’m going to work super hard, push myself to the maximum, and try to be as kind to everyone as I can.” 

As her legacy prepares to live on in future players, Zupnick’s impact on the team is undeniable. However, with all her accomplishments and status, Zupnick’s rigoring volleyball history was surprisingly more unanticipated, making her rise all the more meaningful. 

“I wasn’t expecting to play volleyball when I came here, because softball was always my big sport,” Zupnick stated. “However, when I started playing I got so much love for the sport and over the four years I just had a lot of passion for it.” 

Zupnick’s love and motivation grew as her journey continued until she eventually became the pillar of NHS volleyball. She worked hard alongside the old players, inspired the new and encouraged all around her.  

Not only did she have a huge impact on the team, but joining volleyball also had a huge impact on her. 

Over the last four years Zupnick has worked extremely hard in her volleyball career, but now that she’s leaving many questions are raised, such as what will her journey be in volleyball in the future? And what is the emotional difficulty of leaving?

“Being on the team taught me love for a lot of things. It grew love for how I want to teach people,” Zupnick said. “For college, I’m actually doing social work and the main reason why I’m doing that is volleyball. It taught me how to be the person I am, to be a leader and never give up.”

Zupnick’s journey in volleyball brought her to where she is today. As she starts the next phase of her journey, she may move on from the team physically–-but never mentally.

Leaving something you’ve gotten attached to is an extremely hard transition. 

“It was very upsetting for me to leave the team, especially on Senior Night,” said Zupnick. “Before and after I was just crying a lot because I just didn’t want it to end. Not only because I didn’t want to lose the people, but also the sport in general. I just feel a lot of passion and love for volleyball.” 

Though it’ll never be the same without Zupnick on our court, she plans to always stay in touch with volleyball. 

“I’m definitely going to still continue volleyball because I do grass volleyball in the summer so it’s always going to be a part of me. I don’t know if I’m going to be doing volleyball in college though and if I don’t it’s definitely going to be like a part of my life is missing,” Zupnick said. “I definitely want to be a coach someday, so I feel like I’m gonna have volleyball with me going on. I’m also definitely going to still come to games here, and hopefully still be a part of next year’s team.” 

NHS volleyball wouldn’t be where it is without Zupnick helping lead the way this season, and of course she wouldn’t be on the same path without volleyball. 

“Honestly, it just taught me so much and I’m just happy that the experience I had, I was able to have,” said Zupnick. “It’s so bittersweet.”