Athlete of the Week: Kaelina Lombardo

A dynamic presence both on and off the volleyball court, Kaelina Lombardo, when not springing to hit a shot or block an attack, can be found shouting encouragement from the sidelines or bonding with her teammates.Lombardo, a senior and varsity co-captain, known equally for her warmth and her athletic prowess, has been playing volleyball since sixth grade, but has always had volleyball in her blood. Her mother played the sport in high school and coached in college, and later met Kaelina’s father during and open-gym pickup game. Kaelina, a middle hitter, has been an active member of the varsity team for three years, and has become an integral part of Exeter volleyball’s culture.“If anyone is a member of a team, it’s Kaelina,” Kevin Zhen, one of the team’s managers, said. “She doesn’t hog the spotlight, or ask people to step down for her, but rather keeps the sport a group effort. She sets a great model for new girls on the team, and while she doesn’t always take charge, she leads by example.”Although she has been playing volleyball for seven years in her hometown of Nottingham, NH, Lombardo really became engaged in eighth grade, when she began playing in the recreational league in Barrington a few towns over. Entering Exeter as a prep, she joined the JV team before becoming one of only two lowers on varsity with her current co-captain Weilin Chan ‘14. She played right-side and outside hitter until she began training for middle hitter during the spring of last year due to the lack of players for that position for that team. She has been adapting to that role and the position of co-captain since the beginning of this term.Among her coaches, teammates and friends Kaelina is known for her personality, spirited cheers and her rich sense of humor. “There is no one as nice or sincere as Kaelina. She is a wonderful person and cares deeply about our volleyball program,” Coach Bruce Shang said.As an athlete, Lombardo works constantly to improve her performance. The transition to middle from outside and right side hitter in the spring caused her play to be complicated by the new moves required, including an emphasis on torque and blocking, but  Lombardo is persevering. “It’s definitely different than what I have been playing before, there are different transitions and different jobs to be done,” Lombardo said. “It’s been challenging, but also fun, and I’m excited to improve at it.”Lombardo believes that the energy and team spirit found in volleyball keep her drawn to the sport.  “Energy builds quickly when you play volleyball: the longer a rally goes back and forth fighting for that point, it’s even more rewarding when it’s finally ended,” Lombardo said. “Team spirit is important; you can’t hit the ball two times by yourself in volleyball – it’s against the rules – so you have to depend on your team. Everyone is involved, and when everyone is involved in that, success after a long rally is really exciting.”According to her teammates, Lombardo’s considerate nature and infallible positivity greatly influences the morale of her teammates and coaches. “Kaelina is not only a great athlete but a caring person always concerned about others before herself,” senior Maddie Firkey said.In Chan’s opinion, Kaelina has a level-headed personality that has helped her guide the team. “Ever since prep year, I have never seen her lose her temper, become anxious or mentally unstable,” Chan said. “She is a great leader of the team and a very talented athlete.”Lombardo constantly makes an effort to befriend new players and strengthen existing friendships. Lombardo’s teammates point to their interactions with her at prep camp as a defining moment in their relationship. Upper Caroline Lu recalled her first experience with Lombardo. “At prep camp," Lu said. “we were on separate teams, but despite the distinction between JV and varsity, she still said hi to me whenever I saw her. It felt like the difference in levels did not affect the way she would see me day to day.”As a captain, Lombardo leads and inspires her team members to perform to the best of their ability. “She is a team leader and makes sure the girls are organized at practice and at game time,” Shang said.Max Eberstadt-Beattie, one of the team’s managers, commented on her importance to the group. “‘Kae is a big chunk of the backbone of the team. Every day she works hard to set an example,” Eberstadt-Beattie said.  “She demonstrates to the younger players the commitment that it takes to be captain and to lead a team.”“She works hard to make everyone feel as much of a member of the team as possible,” lower Zaidee Laughlin said. “She is very encouraging on the court and she makes sure that we stay fired up, which is really important for our team and volleyball in general.”Lombardo’s compassionate persona also play a role in her position as captain. “Now, since she is the captain of our team, I really feel that she welcomes everyone,” upper Caroline Lu said. “I appreciate how genuine she is in making sure she gets to know everyone on the team.”Along with her captain position, Lombardo has an impressive work ethic and dedication to volleyball, which results in her constant improvement. “She trained all spring and summer in the weight room and on the court to play outside hitter this year,” Shang said. “She cares so much for the team that this year, as a senior, she is willing to change her position and play middle hitter in order to help the team.”This year, Kaelina is looking forward to another fantastic season. “From the beginning, the Exeter teams have been really fun.” Lombardo said. “Everybody is excited to play and to be there. Volleyball is fast, it’s exciting, it’s difficult, but in the end it’s a lot of fun.”