The Catalyst (TC) sat down with varsity volleyball players Alexa Cadenasso (#14), Ciara Mangan (#15) and Tula Tzartzanis (#3) to ask them what it is like playing the sport for NDB.

TC: How long have you been playing volleyball?
Alexandra Cadenasso (AC): I have been playing volleyball for eight years.

TC: What got you interested in it?
AC: I was always more interested in basketball, but my mom forced me to try volleyball since my sister played and, ever since then, I’ve been in love with the sport.

TC: Do you plan to continue playing volleyball?
AC: Yes, of course! I would never give up the sport. I might not play club this year sadly, but I will definitely keep up with volleyball throughout my lifetime.

TC: How does it feel to be back and playing sports?
AC: It feels great! I love playing volleyball at school again. I almost forgot the excitement at all the games and practices. It’s so great to be back playing volleyball at Notre Dame and being a part of a team again.

TC: How has it been being a member of the varsity team?
AC: It takes a lot of time and effort. Practices are hardcore, games are intense and it takes a lot of commitment. But, it’s definitely worth it. I love being a part of the team and playing the sport I love.

TC: How long have you been playing volleyball?
Ciara Mangan (CM): I have been playing since fourth grade, but I would play with [my sister] Fiona and go to her practices before that.

TC: What made you start playing volleyball?
CM: I have always looked up to my big sister, and I wanted to be just like her. The longer I played the more love I had for volleyball.

TC: Is there a difference in playing now during the pandemic then before it?
CM: Well, during the pandemic, we’ve had to play with masks on which was hard to adjust to in the beginning. Also, we didn’t really get to see each other’s faces, so we got to know people by their eyes, and it was hard especially when you were playing with people who you’ve never met before and not getting to see their face.

TC: How long have you been playing volleyball?
Tula Tzartzanis (TT): I started playing for middle school in fourth grade.

TC: What made you want to start playing?
TT: I heard people talking about it in elementary school, and it sounded interesting… So, I thought I’d try it and, when I started playing, I realized how much I liked it.

TC: How does it feel to be back and playing sports?
TT: It feels better, and I’m glad to be more active and staying in practice.

TC: How is being a member of the varsity team?
TT: I feel like it’s really hard and challenging, but it’s helping me learn more things and improve.