UNF OSPREYS (7-11, 1-3 ASUN) at STETSON HATTERS (3-11, 0-4 ASUN)
Friday • Oct. 11, 2019 • 6:00 p.m. DeLand, Fla. • Edmunds Center • DeLand, Fla.
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Growing up, Emily DeStaffino wanted to be just like her older sister. Whatever Sarah was doing, Emily wanted to do it, too. So, when Sarah started playing volleyball, guess who also wanted to play.
"Even now, my sister is one of my biggest role models, but at the time she hated that I always wanted to do everything that she did," DeStaffino said. "I wanted to be the same (uniform) number. I wanted to play the same position. I guess now she's one of my biggest supporters, because she comes to all my games and is always there for me."
DeStaffino, a senior setter for the Stetson volleyball team, did indeed start out following her sister's footsteps at the outside hitter position. In fact, setting was the last thing she wanted to do.
"I don't think anyone wants to be a setter," DeStaffino recalled. "It's a lot of work, and you don't get any of the credit. All the hitters get the credit while the libero and setters are doing the dirty work."
Nevertheless, DeStaffino's coaches insisted she give setting a try. After about a year, she began to have a new appreciation for the position.
"I like being in the background," DeStaffino said. "I just love helping people, even off the court, and my job is basically to make other people look good. I think that's why I like it, and I get to be creative. I get to run different plays. I'm in charge, I guess you could say, and I just enjoy that role. I would never want to play any other position."
As the setter, DeStaffino serves as an extension of the coach on the court and helps keep the team focused and playing together.
"I think I would be the closest thing to - I don't want to say an assistant coach - but a helping coach, I guess," DeStaffino said. "Coach and I, we are always talking during the game. We have a good connection and good communication, and I have to basically spread the message to the rest of the team."
The Hatters are 3-11 at the halfway point of the season and coming off a 3-0 win over Bethune-Cookman on Sunday. As one of the veterans on an otherwise young team, DeStaffino is encouraged by the team's progress and sees a lot of potential for this year's squad.
"It just takes time and experience getting to know how to play with each other," DeStaffino said. "Every day, I can see improvement within everyone. We always try to play our hardest and figure everything out during practice, so in a game we have trust in each other and we believe that we can win.
"At the same time, we definitely have a sense of urgency when it comes to knowing the games we have to win, and what games are going to be a fight but we have a chance at winning."
DeStaffino and the Hatters will host North Florida in a key ASUN Conference match Friday night at the Edmunds Center. Stetson currently trails UNF by one game in the league standings. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. with live coverage on ESPN+.
All tickets are general admission and can be purchased online or at the ticket office for $5. Stetson students, faculty, and staff are admitted free with an ID.
Despite battling through some injuries, DeStaffino is having a solid senior year. The Port Orange, Fla., native is averaging 8.3 assists-per-set overall and 8.9 assists during conference play. She has also recorded five double-doubles, 11 aces and 24 blocks.
"Emily is doing a good job," head coach Yang Deng said. "She is really confident in her setting. I like the way she stays calm and doesn't panic regardless of what kind of pass she gets or what the first touch is. She is consistent in her performance and with her emotions."
Before the sun sets on her prolific volleyball career, DeStaffino wants to play with a purpose through the remainder of the season.
"I just want to enjoy it," DeStaffino said. "It's the last time I'll ever be able to step on a court and put on a jersey. It's sad to think about, but I just try to enjoy every day. Even the bad stuff. This is the last time I'll ever get to do it, so I'll take everything."
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.
