Yorktown Setter Nicole Dennison Earns All-State Honors

YORKTOWN, N.Y.—This past fall, senior setter Nicole Dennison finished her third year playing for the Yorktown girls varsity volleyball squad, including the last two, in which she served as a team captain.

Dennison was named All-State sixth team this fall in addition to garnering All-Section and All-League honors.

You were named All-State sixth team. What did it mean to earn that prestigious honor?

It meant so much to find out that I had made All-State sixth team, I felt so ecstatic to know that my hard work has been paying off.

It meant a lot to see that mere spectators and listeners were able to understand the type of player I am and agree on such a prestigious honor for myself, which I will always be grateful for.

How old were you when you started playing volleyball and what got you started?

In the seventh grade when I was 12 years old. I tried volleyball because I just wasn’t too happy with the other sports I had tried in the past. My parents. who had met through volleyball, never pushed me to do things. They offered to me to try volleyball and with an open mind I walked into the best decision I had ever made.

What was your favorite thing about being on the Yorktown girls volleyball team?

I have made a lifetime of unforgettable memories. To pinpoint one favorite memory is hard, but I would say my favorite thing about Yorktown volleyball is simply the people it brings together that quickly become family. I feel privileged to have worked with and shared moments with the people I did during my time with the program.

What was your favorite team activity or pre- or post-match ritual?

I still find myself missing our bus rides and our favorite songs to sing and dance to after a match.

Who has been your biggest role model?

My parents have always been my biggest role models in volleyball because they share a passion and love for the game just as much as I do. They have a knowledge for the game I respect and confide in when I need support. Not only did they train me to be the player I am, but they prepared me, physically, and mentally. Even now, they encourage me each day to make every minute count and always give something my all for the things I care for.

Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know.

I am extremely competitive and love staying active with my family in the summer by playing badminton, which we have done since I was a toddler.

What do you plan to do after high school?

To attend college and possibly pursue a career in the finance world, maybe even take on real estate.

What’s your favorite sports team?

My favorite volleyball team would have to be the University of Texas. In the world of professional sports, I would say my favorite team is the New York Yankees.

What was your favorite music to listen to while warming up for a match?

I find appreciation for listening to my favorite music of all genres by artists like Noah Kahan, U2, Coldplay, SZA, Pitbull, and more before playing a match.

If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go?

Greece.

What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Yorktown girls volleyball team?

To make every moment count, time moves quickly and it is important to be present, and surround yourself with the right people. Most importantly, never give up, and always work hard to exceed your limits, and your own expectations, hard work will pay off.