No matter how many superstars a team may boast, no successful team is complete without players that provide depth to the roster. Even if these players do not receive the credit and praise that the more noticeable players do, their input is invaluable to the prosperity of the team. For the Virginia volleyball team, senior Emily Perilli encompasses this role.
Playing multiple positions, Perilli has become one of the most valuable players in the program.
"Emily is the type of player who has led this program to a higher level," coach Melissa Shelton said.
Last season, Perilli moved in to the middle position to fill voids created by injuries. She also has the ability to play outside and is challenging junior Melissa Caldwell for libero. Both Perilli and Shelton believe she can do the most damage in the middle.
"My favorite [position] is middle blocker," Perilli said. "It's a role where you get big hits and big blocks."
Last weekend against Centenary, she played middle, picking up five digs in the Cavalier's 3-0 victory.
Last season Perilli played in all 120 games, registering 276 digs and 30 aces. As a senior, she has established herself as the most diverse player on the team.
"I think having the attitude that you can do anything has really helped me get far," Perilli said.
Despite not having the height of other players, Perilli, who stands at 5'9", credits her strong body for being able to take on a number of roles. Shelton, however, credits Perilli's mental ability as well.
"[Her skill] is attributed to her mental outlook," Shelton said. "She doesn't break it down too much, she just does it. She never complains and she just gets things done."
As a senior, Perilli has seen her role develop over the past four years. On a team that lacked leadership in previous years, she now fills that void too.
"When I first arrived here we were a very young team," Perilli said. "Now it's a lot older team, we have a lot more upperclassmen to set the bar. As a fourth-year, it's important to lead by example, by working hard and staying positive."
Perilli believes she has taken a leadership role on and off the court, using her experience to benefit the team, especially the younger players.
With her final season under way, Perilli has high expectations for the fall.
"I just want [this season] to be my last great hurrah with volleyball," she said. "I want everyone to go out there and feel proud of the effort they gave forth and just make it as fun as we all can make it."
In the meantime, the players and coaches are expecting big results from this year's squad, and Perilli will be one of the keys to success this season.
The Cavaliers claimed victories in two of three matches last weekend at the Comcast Lady Vol Classic. This weekend, Virginia hosts the Jefferson Cup Volleyball Tournament beginning Friday. When the Cavaliers suit up this weekend, they will look to Perilli to fill her usual versatile role.
"[Perilli is] the type of player we need and the type of player who helps you win a title," Shelton said.
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