Lake County Gazette

Katie Vilardi often reflects on how a chance episode led to her playing what now easily rates as her favorite sport.

The Antioch senior volleyball star first started playing the sport in sixth-grade when she and a group of friends simply decided to play a new sport.

“I fell in love with it immediately and knew right away that volleyball was going to be my favorite sport,” Vilardi said on the school's website. 

By the time she was in high school, Vilardi had come to the realization playing also helped her relieve stress and to control her emotions. One of fondest playing memories dates back to freshmen year when the Sequoits rallied past Lakes for a conference title.

“The energy in the gym was amazing and it was a really fun game to play in,” she added. “We won the game and it was a huge accomplishment for our team”

Nowadays, it’s all about passing on the love, Vilardi said.   

"It’s really cool to pass on traditions to the younger girls and see them look up to us,” she said, adding she hopes to be able to continue playing in college.  

Whatever happens, Vilardi knows she will always have her memories of Antioch.

“Once a Sequoit always a Sequoit,” she said.