By Cameron Dubin
Managing Editor of Sports
Junior captain Noah Kopf is part of a select few who can say that they have been part of a State Championship program here at Newton South. However, as Kopf has risen through the ranks on the Lions’ team, he has taken a role as their captain and playmaker on the court.
Kopf has led the young South team throughout injuries to other key players. He had 9 kills in South’s dominating 3-1 win against Acton-Boxborough earlier in the season.
Denebola had the chance to sit down with Kopf as he prepares to lead South deep into the state tournament.
When and why did your volleyball career begin?
“I started playing volleyball the winter of seventh grade. I played basketball and soccer before that, but I was kinda tired of both those sports and volleyball just looked like something that was fun. I saw a lot of tall [and] skinny people playing it as well which was pretty encouraging to me [because that is my body type]. So I started playing [in] seventh grade, just some clinics, basic skills. But, that was good that I did that in seventh grade because in eighth grade I could start playing games, start playing in tournaments with a club team, and the Beantown club team which meets right here at South. Then in eighth and ninth grade I started playing school and club, I’ve been playing three seasons of volleyball ever since.”
How do you feel like this season is going?
“The seasons going well, obviously we lost a lot of seniors last year, which has been a major struggle to overcome. But, we were able to beat a couple of good teams including a pretty big win over Greater New Bedford last week, which was a high point for us for sure. And then also, we’ve had some tough losses against some teams that typically we haven’t lost to in the past like Westford Academy and North Quincy, essentially because of injuries but also a little bit because of the greenness of the team. So it’s been an up and down season, but I’ve been enjoying it. I think the teams been enjoying it as well.”
Do you have any pregame routines or superstitions?
“That’s a tough one to think about. So when we have home games, we always listen to the national anthem before games and I always stand in the same position and I close my eyes and just visualize how the game is going to go. I’ve heard that visualization is something that a lot of athletes do. I have a lot of other routines like keeping baby powder in my shoes and other things like that.”
What do you expect for the rest of the season?
“I think that we’re going to have a pretty strong playoff run. We’ve been having a tough string of injuries throughout the season, but it looks like all our players are about to come together for a couple of good weeks before the playoff season to get ready. And then I expect that after that, we’ll have a fairly good run, play some good competitors in the South Section [of the tournament]. So I’m excited about that.”
What are your plans personally for volleyball in the future if any?
“I’m going to obviously keep playing club and school season throughout high school. After that, I don’t think I’m planning on playing in college, but I could.”
