Molly Tuozzo: Libero Extraordinaire

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- When you watch young athletes from this area perform, do you ever wonder how much pressure they may be under? I'm not talking about parental pressure. I'm talking about just making the team at these gigantic schools we have around here. One of the high schools I attended had 2100 if you count the ninth grade campus. That was huge in 1979. Here it is 2022 and these schools around here have upwards of 5000 students.

At The Woodlands, you're looking at 4500 and change. Now, look at the sports being played. Football is extremely competitive within the school to just see a little PT (playing time) and there are a lot of positions to compete for. Then, when you look at some of the other sports like basketball where only five players on a team can be on the floor at the same time, it makes you wonder why there isn't more than just one varsity team within one school.

This brings me to volleyball. There can only be six girls on the floor. People think you have to be tall to play the game. Not so at all. The tall players can play up front as hitters or blockers. Well, you can be short and play up front if you have an outrageous vertical jump. I've seen that in action but it's not tremendously common. Then you have what most people think is the most difficult position to play because of all the players on the floor, the setter must have the highest athletic I.Q. The setter has to be in the right spot at all times ready to place a set perfectly so the hitters can have the best shot at winning a point for the team. She also digs, blocks, serves and even attempts kills when the situation presents itself.

However, because I am vertically challenged, my favorite position on the volleyball hardwood is 'libero'. You've seen this player. You know, the one who wears a different color uniform. Don't ask...it's a volleyball thing. Just know the libero is THE defensive specialist.

Have you heard Penn State football being referred to as Linebacker U (University)? Well, The Woodlands is Libero U. You can go as far back to Kelly Quinn, Codi Lee, Mia Primavera, Georgia Murphy, Allie Griffith, Jackie Lee, Cassidy MacLean and all through to this year's libero, Molly Tuozzo.

Tuozzo roams the back line like a zamboni disguised as a possessed contortionist making the most ridiculous digs while seemingly standing on her head. I've personally seen her singlehandedly demoralize opponents by sacrificing body parts.

The best thing about Molly is if you met her away from the volleyball court, you'd never in a million years think she's a fierce competitor in the athletic arena. She's the sweetest, most caring person you'll ever meet. She's always looking out for people who could use a lift and does her best to put smiles on their faces. However, don't be fooled. If you're across the net from her she will do her best to beat your friggin brains in. Her competitive fire is unrivaled.

Oh, you want credentials? Molly is on the 2022 AVCA All-America Watchlist and the GHVCA 2022 Pre-Season Team. Believe me, there's more.

If you want an education as to how to be the best libero you can be, go watch Molly play and you'll learn by osmosis.

Get to know Molly Tuozzo in this week's Woodlands Online Q&A...

1) How long have you been playing volleyball? How did you become interested in volleyball?

I have been playing for 8 years. My mom grew up coaching and playing, and watching her inspired me.

What other sports did you play growing up and why did volleyball win out?
I ran track, and played soccer, but volleyball was more fun and I had a passion for it right away. I instantly fell in love with the sport as soon as I started my first season.

2) Describe the 2022 TWHS volleyball team and why you enjoy playing for the Highlanders?

I would describe the TWHS volleyball team as bonded. I feel like the whole team is very close and loves being with each other all the time. The team chemistry while I have been in the program is amazing and I will forever cherish the friendships it has given me.

3) Do you like TWHS and why?

Yes, It's a very safe environment and all the staff and coaches are amazing.

4) What colleges are you looking into attending? Do you know what your field of study will be?

I am committed to play volleyball and continue my academic career at The University of Kentucky. I plan to study kinesiology or Interior Design.

5) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

It would be a dream to play professional volleyball, but if I wasn’t doing that I hope to travel a ton and explore different parts of the world.

6) What do you enjoy doing away from school and volleyball?

Although volleyball takes up most of my time, when I am not in the gym I love spending time with my friends.

7) Who is your role model for volleyball?

Ashley Dusek, she is an amazing libero and was a big time player at The University of Kentucky.

8) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

The support my family gives me is indescribable. I would not be even close to where I am today if it wasn’t for them.

9) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

I would donate it to the ASPCA. Animals are very important to me, and if I could adopt every dog in the world that was suffering, I would.

10) Three things that people don't know about you.

I hate chocolate, and I have two dogs,

11) When is the last time you danced? Where? You any good?

The last time I danced was before our last volleyball game. We have a traditional dance party before every game. It’s pretty intense and I wouldn’t say I'm the best dancer, but I try my hardest.

12) What is your favorite song in your phone now? Do you have a favorite group?

I listen to all different types of music, so I don’t have a favorite group, but I would say my favorite song at the moment is 'So Good' by Weston Estate.

13) Your favorite movie of all time.

My favorite movie of all time would have to be Austin Powers. I watch it all of the time with my family, and it’s very funny.

14) If you were sentenced to death but you were allowed to go on one last date, who would the lucky guy be? Why?

The lucky guy would be Justin Bieber, I have loved his music since I was very little, and I have always wanted to meet him.

What does Coach Terri Wade think of Molly?

'Molly is one of the best defensive players I've coached. She just has an amazing range of play and can get anywhere on the court and beyond. She has a big surprise factor in that she could be a great hitter with her amazing vertical, but that also makes her pretty powerful as a libero. She gets so much power behind her serve with her jump and also surprises people with her court awareness jumping across the 10 foot line. Molly can leave the court behind the line to jump set and land in front of the line. She leaves people in awe of her athletic ability every game. Off the court, she's a pretty awesome kid with a fun personality. She is kind, respectful and unbelievably humble.'

It's difficult to describe what events made Molly who she is. She never walked; she ran at nine months. She was jumping over things at a year and half. Perhaps it’s being the youngest of four kids or maybe it’s just her God given talents. As for her awesome personality, Molly has always had a very kind heart and just teaches those around her how to be better all the time. As a teammate, she isn’t the loudest or most verbal but she leads by example and work ethic in always giving 110% while being a positive and uplifting teammate. Whether it was on the soccer field or track when she was younger or on the volleyball court presently, she always gives her best and helps her teammates do the same.

One of Molly's mom's favorite memories of her daughter and indicative of her caring heart was when her oldest brother left for college. Keep in mind the family's nickname for Molly is Moo or Molly-Moo. She was so sad and concerned he would miss her and home so she wanted to send him a stuffed cow (Moo) from Build-A-Bear so he would think of her and know she was missing him, too. They still have a special bond to this day.

The Woodlands sits atop the district standings and back in action on Friday night. Needless to say, Molly will most assuredly do her part to make sure they stay on top. She'll be playing as if Justin Bieber will be live-streaming the match.

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