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Aliana Rivoira – Bristol Eastern Player of the Year
Aliana Rivoira
Bristol Eastern
Class: Senior
Coach: Stacey Rivoira
Position: Setter
Accomplishments: Senior captain, three-year varsity starter, had 761 assists her senior year and was the only player in the state to average over nine assists per set (9.8). Had a state-leading 139 aces this season, along with 197 digs and 62 kills. Over her career, had 1,771 assists, 269 aces, 418 digs and 253 kills.
Aliana said: “It was a learning experience as we went along. In the beginning of the season, we were finding out how our dynamic was going to be for the rest of the season. We were trying to find out the best way for us all to work together. By the first few games, we figured it out. We were working well together. We were all happy as a team and players. The way we ended our season was not the way I would have liked to end it but I think we had a lot of highlights.”
Stacey said: “She was instrumental to our success over the last three years. I felt like being the setter she was, she was a great leader. She knew where everyone was supposed to be, helped model the work ethic I expect out of all my athletes and helped distribute the ball so our hitters could hit. In addition, she was an outstanding server and provided us with a tremendous amount of points when we needed them the most.”
On her mom coaching her: “I would say it was pretty interesting. In the beginning it was a little rough. I think I was a little immature and I felt she was always picking on me, when she wasn’t, actually. When we figured out how to balance it and when I figured out she’s not picking on me, she’s just being my coach, my coach in the gym and my mom at home, once we got that figured out, we worked really well together. We both like to work hard and we both like to win.”
Up next: Unsure of where she will go to college but will most likely play club volleyball in school. “I don’t want to give it up completely but the commitment for the varsity team probably wouldn’t be something I wanted to do.” Interested in studying math.
In 10 years: “I see myself working at a job and being a successful person. Enjoying my job. Spending time with my family and friends. I would be interested in coaching.”
Miscellaneous: Was a pitcher and outfielder for the softball team as a freshman and sophomore. … Also danced and swam as a youngster. … Played club volleyball with CVTA, Husky, Velocity and Crush teams. … Has an older sister Emily and younger brother Carson, who plays soccer and basketball. … Enjoys working with kids and baking. … National Honor Society member, also in Spanish National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, top five percent of her class. … Student Council treasurer. … Has a cat named Pico.