Yorktown outside hitter and back-row player Natalia Lyon is one of the three senior captains on the Yorktown girls volleyball squad, along with Mia Riordan and Julia Amado.
Lyon, who is in her third season on the varsity, played a big role in the Huskers’ 3-2 (17-25, 27-25, 25-21, 20-25, 17-15) triumph at Ardsley, which had entered the match 13-2. Lyon led the Huskers in digs (24) and kills (19) in the Oct. 21 contest.
Last year as a junior, Lyon was named All-League and All-Conference, and this season made the All-Tournament team at the Yorktown Tournament.
Lyon will also be on the Yorktown girls bowling team for a second season this upcoming winter.
How old were you when you started playing volleyball and what got you started? I was 12 years old. One day after school, my dad was watching a volleyball game on TV, it was Brazil vs. Japan in women’s volleyball.
While I was making myself lunch, I could hear the excitement from the crowd and the sound of the players hitting the ball so hard. I got curious and went to sit next to my dad on the floor and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.
I watched the entire match with him and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to play volleyball.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Yorktown girls volleyball team? The close bonds that I get to make with all the girls.
What is your favorite team activity or pre- or post-match ritual? My favorite post-match ritual is singing on the bus with all the girls.
Who have been your biggest role models? My mom and dad. Without my dad, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.
Even though my dad isn’t a volleyball coach, he noticed how much I wanted to improve and helped me every step of the way. He took me to different parks and gyms to practice, hit balls at me to work on my defense, and even made me a workout routine to help increase my vertical.
My mom has always been my biggest supporter. She’s been to every single one of my games and always gives me the best advice. She taught me to believe that every ball is touchable and to always give my all. As she always reminds me, “If you give your 110 percent, your hard work will show.”
Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know: I like to play the guitar in my free time.
What do you plan to do after high school? To continue my academic and athletic career at Johnson & Wales University, where I will play volleyball and major in animal science.
What’s your favorite sports team? For women’s volleyball, my favorite sports teams are the University of Louisville and the University of Nebraska. For men’s volleyball, my favorite sports team is Long Beach State University (California). And for the Olympics my favorite team is the women’s Brazilian team.
What is your favorite music to listen to while warming up for a game? “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado and Timbaland.
If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go? Hawaii. I believe that it’s such a beautiful place and I would love to try their food.
What would you say to a young athlete about trying out for the volleyball team? Have fun while playing volleyball and don’t stress out about making mistakes—because volleyball is a game of mistakes. Just give it your all and have fun while you are playing.
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