With a volleyball in his hand and a team behind him, junior Brian Merino has become a force to be reckoned with on the boys’ varsity volleyball team. Consistency, leadership, and energy on the court are his attributes, and Brian’s presence is felt in every rally, time-out, and team huddle. As junior captain, he helped lead the team through a competitive playoff season while bringing an undeniable sense of positivity and focus to every practice. But, Brian’s best quality is one far less measurable: his heart. Whether he’s coping through tough situations or encouraging teammates after a tough loss, Brian is the “glue that holds the team together,” Coach Christian Castillo commented.
Unlike the majority of varsity athletes, Brian’s sports journey didn’t begin in elementary or middle school; it started with anime. “I got into volleyball by watching Haikyu!!” Brian said, referencing a manga and anime series about a student who aspires to become a top volleyball player. “I had never played a sport competitively until high school.”
Inspired by the animated court battles and heartfelt storylines, Brian joined the volleyball team and later picked up track in order to build up strength and endurance for the court.
Now as the team’s junior captain, Brian balances academics and sports with precision. A two-year member of the Arista Honor Society, Brian keeps up good grades and still has time for the sports that he loves. “I put academics first so I can enjoy playing,” he says. “At first it was hard to find balance but I learned to use my time more wisely, either studying or sleeping in my free time during my seasons.”
Teammates and coaches alike see the results of his discipline. Coach Castillo, who has worked closely with Brian over the last two years, describes him in one word: efficient. “He’s dedicated, consistent, and always there. He’s not playing just to play, he’s trying to move the team forward.”
Senior captain Cris Ian Pagcaliwagan recalls a moment in practice when Brian, placed on the nonstarter team, used the opportunities not to compete, but to coach. “He corrected and adjusted their positioning, really stepping into a leadership role,” Ian said. “As a setter, I need to trust the defense, and I always feel confident with Brian in the backrow.”
Freshman manager Jacey Jin describes him as “charismatic both on and off the court,” always the first to encourage teammates and brighten the mood. “Without Brian, we’d be losing a reliable captain who keeps practice running smoothly and helps make games fun by being there.”
Freshman teammate Joshua Garcia shares a similar appreciation. “I admire Brian’s team spirit and dedication to keep the court alive with his ‘SEAMS LEFT, Watch Float!!’ calls,” Joshua says. This is volleyball terminology reminding the team to get ready and play defense. As a defensive expert, Brian is telling the team how to set up their defensive pattern on their serve receive. “He’s the foundation of each point… Without him, I don’t think there would be that many balls kept in play.” Looking to next year, Joshua adds, “Knowing that Brian would be one of the team captains… I’m insanely confident that he would immediately know what to do in order to guide our team into victory.”
Jacob Castillo, another sophomore teammate on the boys varsity volleyball team, also credits Brian for helping him grow as a player. “Brian Merino has really helped me get better at the sport. He’s always there to help me improve my skills. One thing I’ve learned from watching him play is that he always brings the energy, no matter what. As a person, Brian is super caring and funny. When we play together, especially in practices, he takes the game seriously but also knows how to have fun.”
His achievements go beyond medals and game wins, Brian reflects on his proudest moment as an athlete, not as a single win but as a transformation. “Watching back old footage and seeing how much I’ve improved, knowing I still have more room to grow, that’s what I’m proud of,” he said. And that growth mindset has carried over into how he deals with obstacles: “Sports taught me not to dwell on the past. You only get one chance sometimes, and mistakes are part of the experience.”
From getting his first track medal at the end of sophomore year to helping the volleyball team defeat Stuyvesant in the American Studies tournament, Brian has had his share of unforgettable moments. At the AAS tournament, each of our volleyball players gave it their all in a fiercely competitive game against Stuyvesant. After splitting the first two sets, the team’s determination led them to a hard-fought and thrilling third set victory.
“Put your heart and soul into what you love,” he said. “Passion is a major driving force. Without it, you feel incomplete.”
Looking ahead, Brian will continue to play volleyball recreationally with the NY Strangers club and their youth programs this summer. And regardless of whether it’s on a college campus or another court, his mindset remains the same: “There’s no time to be afraid. If you have a passion, chase it.”
