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Athlete of the Week: John Battaglino
Sport: Boys volleyball (middle blocker) (Follow the team on Instagram)
When & how you got involved in this sport: Captain Andy Yang recruited me during the fall. I played in a couple pickup games with teammates from Wellesley at Newton South when I didn’t have a golf conflict. Then basketball season started so I didn’t play at all during the winter, but then I started playing again about 2 weeks before tryouts.
What you love most about this sport: I really enjoy the energy on the court and with your teammates. I also have really appreciated the support and encouragement that I have gotten from my teammates.
Pre-match routine: Take a nap on the bus on the way to the game.
Top goal for this season: To help Wellesley Boys Volleyball upset Brookline in the State Championship game.
Thoughts about this year’s team: We have a great team. Our captains push us every day in practice and foster an environment focused on our goals. We also have a ton of talent that can compete with the best teams in the state. Finally, the support from each and every member on our team has helped us start our season off strong. We had a huge reverse sweep against Springfield Central where we won 3 straight sets to take the W and gave Brookline their best match yet. We have a ton of positive play to build off of, and with our captains’ focus, our coaches’ encouragement, and our team’s commitment to winning, we are sure to find success this year.
An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am proud about our team’s reverse sweep victory against Springfield Central. We were down 2-0 and on the brink of a sweep but we came together as a team and pulled victory from the jaws of defeat. We didn’t let our mistakes define us in the following sets and showed confidence in one another. This was a huge moment not just for our record, but also for our team. It showed us that when we come together nothing can get in our way and that as a team we are a force to be reckoned with.
An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: The day I went to play my first pickup game with the team, I was hesitant. I had never played volleyball before, but I was sure glad that I did. Even for pickup games the energy was off the charts. Kids were diving for every ball, yelling after every point, and playing with an energy/commitment that made me excited for the year. I was thrilled to join a team that played hard and loved what they did.
Interests outside of your sport: 1. School Interests: I love economics and current events. Through Econ Class on Econ Club I have been able to follow along with current events and formulate my own opinions about the effects of certain policies. 2. Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, skiing, pickup basketball, current events.
What other sports do you play, if any? 1. Varsity Golf 2. Varsity Basketball 3. Recreational Tennis
Coach Carlos Mercado on John Battaglino: “John is a standout member of the Wellesley High School boys varsity volleyball team. Although this is his first year playing volleyball, John’s natural athleticism—shaped by years of playing golf and basketball—has made an immediate impact. His love for sports analytics fuels a deeper understanding of game strategy, and his willingness to learn has quickly elevated him to the varsity starter lineup. John’s coachability, combined with his humility, has earned the respect of both teammates and coaches. On the court, he’s focused and determined; off the court, he’s the team’s biggest hype man, always bringing energy and encouragement to every practice and game. Whether blocking the opponents’ attacks or cheering from the sidelines, John embodies what it means to be a great teammate and athlete. His drive and attitude make him not only a key player, but also a leader for the squad.”
(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)
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