Receive, set, spike, BOOM! When the volleyball flies back over the net, Mrudula Pamireddy (‘25) sets the ball for her teammates to spike it and win the point. If there is one athlete who has altered High School South’s volleyball team, it’s Pamireddy. 

     Pamireddy is a team captain and a setter on the girl’s volleyball team. She has played varsity volleyball for all four years of high school. As a setter, she receives the second touch and sets it to another teammate. This has led her to achieve over 1000 assists – which is anytime you set to another player results in that teammate attacking the ball for on the other side of the court. In her junior season, she had over 350 assists and 56 digs – a type of defensive play. She has won around 50 games in her volleyball career and has led her team with more than 50 aces – which is when a serve lands in the opponent’s court without being able to get received according to nj.com. 

     Pamireddy’s impact on the team extends outside the volleyball court. Her positive attitude uplifts her teammates. “Mrudula is very supportive because she gives you a lot of words of affirmation. If you’re ever down about yourself as a player she will always be there for you,” said teammate Shraddha Panisetty (‘25).

     Pamireddy’s career shows how compassion and determination can bring success. “I have been playing volleyball for eight years and want to continue for as long as possible,” said Pamireddy. 

     Her commitment for the sport shows through . Coach Kevin Lynch, head varsity volleyball coach, said, “ Watching her develop as a person and player is remarkable.” 

     Pamireddy’s journey in volleyball has had its challenges along the way. “My volleyball journey was honestly a little bit difficult because I had trouble making myself stand out from other players,” Pamireddy said. 

     But Pamireddy always held her head high and never gave up on her dream of becoming a volleyball player. 

     Panisetty said, “She shines through the rest of the team by not only her height but with her experience and talent.” Her coordination and high energy throughout the game shows through . 

     Moreover, Pamireddy tries to balance school with sports. Pamireddy said, “I think from volleyball I have learned a lot about time management as a whole and I think I have been able to stay on top of my grades a lot better.” She practices volleyball 14 hours a week when she plays on an outside-of-school team . She has gotten many offers from college to continue playing volleyball and even plans to play Division 3 all through college. 

      Pamireddy’s strong communication and quick decision-making proved to be vital in leading her team to victory. Coach Kevin Lynch, described Mrudula as “a leader, confident, and hardworking.” And, he added, ”She is able to lead and guide the ball down on the opponent’s side.”

     Pamireddy has been through many tough losses and challenges during games but she has seen these losses as a way to learn from her mistakes. “We could be losing so badly and we all may lose hope but when I look at Mrudula she instantly puts a smile on my face,” Panisetty said. 

     “I think she has helped some of our younger players develop, which is super helpful for future years,” Coach Lynch said. Even though Pamireddy’s high school season has come to an end, she has influenced South volleyball, both on and off the court, both during her time as a Pirate and afterwards.

     Pamireddy said, “I am honestly really sad that the season is over since it’s been a part of me since I was a freshman but I am excited to hopefully play in college and get new opportunities.”