Volleyball takes Furlan to UC Berkeley

By Amanda Tsao
Staff Writer

Mira Costa junior Sammy Furlan recently committed to the University of California, Berkeley after being recruited for indoor and beach volleyball.

Furlan began playing volleyball when she was eleven years old and is currently in her seventh year of club volleyball at the Sports Shack Volleyball Club. She will begin her third season of Costa varsity volleyball next year as the new head varsity team captain.

“I am excited about next year’s varsity team and to play with these girls my senior year,” Furlan said. “I believe in my teammates and know we have what it takes to be successful in next year’s CIF.”

Her achievements in volleyball did not always come easily, having to overcome injuries throughout the season such as jammed fingers and rolled ankles. Her consistent hard work and commitment took Furlan to the next level.

“Sammy is a natural leader who has shown great work ethic and leads by example, which has paid off on the court,” varsity coach Lisa Zimmerman said. “Sammy gained the trust of her teammates, which helped her be elected as team captain as a junior.”

Excelling in athletics as well as academics, Furlan has managed to maintain a 4.0 grade point average
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“I am proud of Sammy’s accomplishments, and I hope to be successful like her by the time I graduate,” Furlan’s freshman sister Allie Furlan said. “She always works hard on her school work and volleyball while staying prepared for the future.”

Furlan underwent surgery on her knee after she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) almost two years ago. According to Furlan, successful, yet extensive, recovery left her with a new appreciation for volleyball. Even though she plays indoor and beach volleyball, Furlan favors beach more than indoor.

“After my recovery, I loved the sport even more,” Furlan said. “I plan on playing beach volleyball for the rest of my life. I love it so much.”

In addition to UC, Berkeley Division I athletic program, it is a prestigious university with a low acceptance rate of 21%. Furlan is honored to have been chosen for such a prestigious school and to be a part of the volleyball program.

“I am excited and happy to go to Berkeley, but I’m also a little nervous,” Furlan said. “It will definitely be challenging.”