On the Court with Lani Uyeno ’19

Lani Uyeno ’19 is the reigning New England Player of the Year and Girls’ Varsity Volleyball co-captain this season. In her sophomore year, Uyeno played a large role on the team that would eventually win back-to-back New England Championships. Recently, she sat down with staff reporter George McCabe ’20 to talk about her career, lessons she has learned from the sport, and playing volleyball at Choate.

 

George McCabe: How did you start your volleyball career?

Lani Uyeno: I started playing volleyball in eighth grade. That was my first year of playing club, and I used to play a lot of competitive soccer, but I got kind of burnt out. And then volleyball just seemed like a fun sport. Also, it was very different from soccer because you don’t have to run as much, so that was very appealing.

 

GM: What are some of the lessons you have learned from volleyball?

LU: I think that volleyball has made me a lot mentally tougher, especially since it is more of a mental game than it is physical. Definitely on the court, staying positive and out of your head is so important, especially since there is always another ball coming right at you. There is no point in dwelling on the past mistake.

 

GM: What do you enjoy about playing volleyball at Choate?

LU: My favorite part about playing volleyball at Choate is definitely the team. Every year, they are always my closest friends, and they make everything more fun, from bus rides to practices. Even the tough losses are better when you are friends with your teammates.

 

GM: What are some of the reasons why the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball has been so successful?

LU: I think in past years we’ve been really lucky to have recruits and players that have had past club volleyball experiences. So, having that talent, great leadership, and lots of experience on the court makes us one of the more competitive teams in the league. But I think what also makes Choate volleyball so special and unique is that we take players from thirds and the JV teams and they really work their way up. I know that the program really prides itself on that, and we like to see the work ethic.

 

GM: What are your goals for the season?

LU: If we were to win New England’s this year, we would be the first school in history to win the title three years in a row. We do have our work cut out for us, but I see a lot of potential in this group. Also, since this is my last season of high school volleyball, I really want to just have fun with my friends.

 

GM: What advice might you give to a new Choate volleyball player?

LU: Volleyball is such a unique sport, I think, because you are so responsible for the one touch you have on the ball, and that can really make or break the play. So staying focused throughout a point is really important. Also, you have to be willing to put in the work and get your reps in because you really won’t make any improvements unless you get more touches on the ball.