Principato seeks spot on U.S. volleyball team

Former South Side High School volleyball standout Kayla Principato participated in the U.S. Women’s National Team open tryouts last weekend in Colorado.

Principato, a 6 foot 3 junior right-side hitter at the University of Denver, was among 240 athletes from 84 colleges and 10 high schools from across the country competing for spots on the team. According to USA Volleyball, the final selections will be made by the end of March.

"We are very excited and proud for Kayla to participate in the 2017 USA National Team Tryout,” said Denver coach Tom Hogan on the school’s website. "Competing against the top players in the country will be a fantastic experience for Kayla as she looks to make a team and represent our country. We wish her the best of luck and know that she will do a great job representing our program.”

Principato was a member of the Nassau Class A-champion Lady Cyclones in 2012 and led them to a spot in the county championship game in 2011 and 2013. At South Side, she was also involved in student government and helped plan the Homecoming Parade floats, activities for the Red and Blue Dance and various sports competitions.

She led the Pioneers in kills in each of the last two seasons, earning her spots on the Summit All-League teams.