Student-Athlete Spotlight

Setter is set on volleyball

Jessie Bilello picked game she has long loved over softball

Posted 8/30/19

Senior Jessie Bilello was not listed on the first 2019 Heritage volleyball roster submitted to MaxPreps because of a computer glitch that has since been corrected. And, it's good she is on the roster …

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Student-Athlete Spotlight

Setter is set on volleyball

Jessie Bilello picked game she has long loved over softball

Posted

Senior Jessie Bilello was not listed on the first 2019 Heritage volleyball roster submitted to MaxPreps because of a computer glitch that has since been corrected.

And, it's good she is on the roster because the Eagles need a premier setter like Bilello, who made a decision to play volleyball instead of softball.

“My mom (Michele) played in high school and college so when I was little we would play in the backyard and I kind of fell in love,” recalled Bilello. “I had to choose between volleyball and softball because they were in the same season.

“I couldn't stop playing volleyball, I loved it too much. There was something different about volleyball. It is so fast-paced and the way you have to interact with you team is different. It's a more exciting environment.”

Key stats:

Last season, Bilello played in 76 sets and led the team with 552 assists or 7.3 per set average. Heritage opens the 2019 season against rival Arapahoe on Sept. 5.

Coach's take:

"She works hard and is a kid that pushes everybody around her to be better. She is a driving force on this team."

— Hannah (Eberle) Lane, Heritage volleyball coach

Q&A with Bilello

Why do you like your role as a setter and “quarterback” of the team?

As a setter you have a lot of leadership opportunities and you have a special way of connecting with your team. You basically run the whole court. I'm calling plays and telling my hitters what they are going to be hitting. There are a lot of things you have to focus on.

What's your favorite pre-game meal?

I love pasta salad with a lot of vegetables. It feels healthy and tastes good too.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Tom Brady. We're a big Boston family and love Boston sports. The way he runs his team and is a leader on his team plus his age is very admirable

What would be a perfect performance in your sport?

It's more of how I work with my team and how successful we are as a team. Of course I have individual goals for each game but it depends of which team we are playing.

What is your favorite class in school and why?

Either math or science, I can't decide. I like math because there is always a right answer. I think science is so interesting, There is so much to learn.

What do you like to do away from volleyball?

I spent a lot of time in the gym and doing homework. I like to lift and run a little to keep my stamina up.

What are your plans after high school?

I am committed to Binghamton University, where I will play volleyball and also probably study biology, and after that go to med school and become a surgeon.

Favorite book?

“To Kill a Mockingbird.” Each time you read it you find something new.

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