Athlete Profile: Sean Lee

by Katrina Vassell

Sean Lee started playing volleyball his freshman year, when looking for a high school sport that fit his interests. Although Lee did not have any prior volleyball experience before joining our school’s team, his experience as a tennis player had prepared him for the physically demanding nature of the sport and rigorous practices. When asked how he discovered volleyball at DHS, Lee said “I sort of stumbled my way into the court. I knew a few girls that played volleyball their freshman year and asked me to join. And I didn’t even know that we had a boys team at first.”

Currently Lee position is the “libero,” or a player specialized in defensive skills who must wear a contrasting jersey color from his/her teammates. The “libero” can also replace any back-row player, without prior notice to the officials. “My job being libero is to get those serves in, and dig like crazy,” Lee said.

Lee’s greatest accomplishment on the team was Winning FCIACs last year against Staples for the first time. He also takes pride in winning the State Title Class 'M' for the second year after a first victory in 2008. He says that the team is hoping to “make a run to reclaim our title” this year and battle through the work and effort needed to win. In addition to hours of practice, Lee attributes the team’s success to the collaboration of the members and close ties among players. “Playing as a team, and getting to know each individual personally is key,” Lee said.

Looking back on the team’s success, Lee said that the team was 14-4 during the regular season and is not in the states tournament. Despite having lost two fantastic players from last year’s roster, the team is having an excellent returning season. The biggest event of the year was when the team upset the #1 seed in FCIAC, Staples 3-2. Darien was the #4 seed.

Although Lee has not decided if he will continue to play college volleyball, he plans on playing recreationally. “Volleyball was a great choice, and Coach Larusso made it even better! Besides having to learn a new sport, being able to learn important life values helped me to communicate and play with a team that I truly enjoy being with” Lee said. He appreciates being teammates with Matt Lee, Sam Bryant, Ryan Stracuzzi, Matt Collier, and Tommy Nicholls for all three seasons while on the blue wave boys volleyball team, and is going to miss them next year.

Above: Sean moments before play