High School Sports Awards: Texas volleyball dynamo Naylani Feliciano embraces unification, competition
When Plano High School (TX) volleyball phenom Naylani Feliciano describes her teammates as being on the bus, it has a meaning that extends beyond the literal transportation sense. It serves as an example of the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America performer's manner of proudly proclaiming how unified the Wildcats are.
"We're a big family," Feliciano said with regard to the Plano High School squad that boasted nine seniors among its ranks this past season. "Everybody's on the bus. That's something we refer to a lot. We've always recognized we're not going to get far as a team if everybody's not engaged. We got to grow up in this program, so we knew the one thing we wanted to do was leave something special. You would see us with the freshmen, sophomores and juniors. We all had the best connections."
The University of Miami-bound libero paced the Wildcats with 877 digs and 679 receptions during her senior campaign, averaging 23.7 digs per match to pair with an average of 18.4 receptions. Additionally, Feliciano racked up 2,221 digs and 1,831 receptions during her remarkable prep career.
But, in addition to the unifying spirit and stellar statistics, Feliciano also possesses a fierce competitiveness that has helped to foster a myriad of leadership traits.
"She's definitely an extreme competitor," Plano High School Volleyball Head Coach Lindsey Petzold said regarding Feliciano, who noted she began playing the sport at the age of 10. "But not only that, she's really bought into her role as a leader - and that's on and off the court. She leads by example, not only in the gym, but everywhere. That's everything from being punctual, helping to set up the nets and being someone people can talk with at ease. She has a great personality, but she also holds you accountable. She's been an amazing role model for our younger kids....showing them the way, not letting them cut corners."
Feliciano said a prime element of what she enjoys about the sport is it has enabled her to form bonds.
"I'm still the best of friends with people I met at the age of 10, and even now, the teammates I've been playing with," she said. "It's the connections we've built that will make lifelong friendships. And it's also the lessons we've learned. I definitely would not be the person that I am at school or outside of volleyball, if it were not for the things volleyball has taught me, such as accountability or time management."
Petzold said she regularly points to the pathways established by her seniors, Feliciano, as well as Cheyenne Edwards, Mary Gazda, Katie Kemp, Vidya Mathesh, Brooke McHale, Samantha Schilt, Briana Street and Emmy Summers, when talking with her offseason group.
"They set the bar high, bought in and weren't afraid to speak up," she said. "Everyone got to experience what a family feels like and it's a testament to the seniors. There are huge shoes to fill, including Naylani's, and I'm not quite sure what that looks like. They (underclassmen) definitely had roles models with this (senior) group and now they have to work to model that. It's exciting to see these seniors take it to the next level and I'm super excited to see what happens in their lives next."
Mental preparation, Feliciano said, is essential to court success.
"And I think it's important for me to be in the gym a few hours early," she said. "It allows me to mentally lock into the game and focus. We watch tons of film on our opponents, and as a defender, I'm tracking what my hitters are doing that I'm playing against. As soon as I step on that court, I know what I'm going to be facing."
Feliciano, who lists University of Nebraska freshman libero Lexi Rodriguez among the players she watches, will soon take her scholastic and athletic pursuits to south Florida - joining the Hurricanes.
"I narrowed the choices down to four schools, but when I stepped onto the campus at Miami, I loved it," she said. "I wanted to be there and when I took my other visits, I did not feel the same experience. The bond with the coaching staff and my family living in Florida will also make it easier to move that far."
Petzold said her greatest reward as a coach is being provided an opportunity to impact student-athletes such as Feliciano and her teammates.
"As much as I would say that I hope to make an impact, these kids really impact my life, too," she said. "Seeing them go on and be successful, that's why I really wake up every day and get to do what I do. Building those relationships is invaluable and that's why coaches stay in coaching. We are like second moms to a lot of these girls. It's great to win and teach volleyball, but we have a greater responsibility to help shape and mold them."