Mindy TuckerIt’s just before game time. The sound of squeaking shoes and volleyballs pounding the floor are echoing throughout the gym. The University of Tampa volleyball team is hard at work practicing for the match. For most of the team, it’s just another game on the schedule. For seniors Tarah Marinelli, Amy Rumore and Stephanie Rivera it is a special match.
Marinelli, Rumore and Rivera are getting ready for senior night against Barry University. The regular season is coming to an end and the three seniors are getting ready to play in one of their last matches at UT.
Junior Margeaux Sinibaldi has enjoyed playing with Marinelli, Rumore and Rivera over the past three seasons.
“It has been great playing with Tarah, Amy and Stephanie the past three years. They have meant a lot to the team, both on and off the court. I think we have gotten closer every year,” said Sinibaldi
Marinelli has been one of Tampa’s most consistent players in her four years. After playing in just 18 matches as a freshman, Marinelli has put up excellent numbers in her last three seasons with the Spartans. She recorded 265 kills in her sophomore season and 265 kills in her junior year as well. In 28 matches this season, Marinelli has 218 kills.
Marinelli has relished her time on the volleyball court and also the relationships she has made with her teammates.
“UT has been great for me. We are really close as a team. We have traveled together and had a lot of fun together. I think we will remain friends after college.”
Marinelli looks to have a bright future ahead of her. Before she was a member of the 2005 Sunshine State Conference Honor Roll, she was Student of the Year at Hudson High School. Marinelli, a biology major on the pre-med track, plans on attending medical school and would like to become a physician.
Rivera has been one of the best volleyball players at UT. She was named a second team All-American last season and is putting up similar numbers this year. Rivera is one of 11 Spartans to record over 1,000 kills in her career at Tampa. After college she plans to go back home to Puerto Rico and play professional volleyball.
Rivera credits her coaches for her success at UT.
“I have learned a lot from my coaches in my time here. They have been great for me. I have gotten to know many great teammates. It has been a great overall experience at UT.”
Rumore has not seen as much playing time as Rivera and Marinelli but still feels like she is a critical part of the team.
“Even though I have been a second-string player for much of my career, I still feel like a part of the team,” Rumore said. “Everyone knows their role and what they are expected to do, but even if you are a bench player, you are treated equally. I think it’s because we are all so close.”
After college Rumore wants to become an elementary school teacher. She plans on coaching a volleyball team and playing beach volleyball in her spare time.
Before the game Marinelli, Rumore and Rivera were honored with a standing ovation from the crowd. The seniors did not disappoint, sweeping a solid Barry team (13-11, 7-7 SSC) three games to zero. Marinelli had seven kills and six digs in the match. Rivera had 12 kills and eight digs in the win.