Volleyball Star and Team Captain Danielle Muttera is starting off her senior year with a bang. While only starting competitive volleyball her freshman year, she has made an outstanding impact in the UC High volleyball program. Muttera is absolutely locked in and ready to make her last year a killer one.
Muttera was inspired to play volleyball because of her family. “I was always around the game when I was little, because both of my older siblings played. Then, once I was old enough, I started doing lessons at my local club. I always knew it would be something important in my life, because the moment I stepped foot on that court, I never wanted to leave and that still hasn’t changed,” said Muttera.
Muttera has been preparing for this season like no other. “I am playing the highest level of volleyball I have ever played, I am now on the highest level team at my club and it has been amazing,” said Muttera.
The players have also been taking preseason very seriously. “The team has been preparing really well so far. We have been working hard every weekday and our practices keep getting better and more competitive,” said Muttera.
Muttera and the UC High Volleyball Team have been working hard since the first practice. “We have been training nonstop since tryouts and we are in the weight room two times a week getting stronger and faster. On the court, we have been focusing on our technical skills and everyone has been improving,” said Coach Charley Yoeun.
The game of volleyball is truly about which team can make fewer mistakes. To reduce the number of mistakes as much as possible, you need to have players who are willing to put their body on the line and have leaders who will take control of the game. Muttera has been fantastic at these and wants to continue to get better. “My main goal for this season is to improve as much as possible and to learn how to be a better leader and all-around player,” said Muttera.
Muttera produces a lot for this team, making outstanding plays as an outside hitter. “Muttera plays a huge role for our team. She is our captain, has tons of experience, and is a returner from last year’s Championship Team so she knows what it takes. Her work ethic on and off the floor is second to none and yet the best thing about her is she always puts her teammates first,” said Yoeun.
Volleyball is a game of runs where one needs to make sure that they are working hard for every point. The player must make smart plays and ensure they are staying sharp. “Muttera is a reliable and consistent player who has lots of hustle,” said Senior Rafa Mazzoli.
Volleyball is a very competitive sport where a positive environment is essential for the team’s success. “The volleyball environment is awesome where people are warm, and welcoming and positivity is all around. Our practices and games are competitive which, in my opinion, makes it a lot more fun,” said Muttera.
“Everyone works hard, which makes practice very intense and game-like. We all push each other to make sure we get better,” said Muttera. Muttera is one of the strongest hitters on the team. This season she currently has 84 kills in only 16 games and she had a career high in both kills which was 19 and hitting percentage which was .378 percent. She leads the team with the most amount of kills per set, which is currently at 3.1 (maxpreps.com).
You need to have great discipline and have a strong leader to be successful on the volleyball court. “Dani is a natural leader who pushes our team everyday to be the best we can be,” said Mazzoli.
Muttera has big plans for after her high school season comes to an end. “My plans after high school definitely include playing lots of volleyball. I plan to attend and possibly play at Mesa College and then transfer to a Division One program from there,” said Muttera. Muttera has lots of potential and determination and soon her dream of playing Division One volleyball will come to life.