Alyssa Stolinas is a 2015 graduate from Marco Island Academy. During her time at MIA, she found a love for the game of volleyball, playing it all throughout her four years here at MIA. As a result of this, Alyssa has coached girls’ volleyball at MIA for the past eight years. She also coaches travel volleyball for Florida Gulfside Volleyball Academy in Naples. Coaching was not something that she planned on doing, but she noted that “looking back, it makes perfect sense. Sports have always been such a huge part of my life.”
A major lesson that Alyssa has learned and has taken with her after her time at MIA is “effort and attitude define success.” Even though your priorities and circumstances may be different, your approach should be the same. This mindset guided her through academics, coaching, and personal growth. Alyssa now instills this philosophy in her athletes.
Alyssa notes that her biggest mentor, who had a huge impact on her life, was Miss Scott. She was Alyssa’s teacher at first, and later became her principal. Alyssa says that from the start, Miss Scott demonstrated “patience, dedication, and a genuine belief in her students’ potential.” As a principal, she always led with high standards, “modeling what it means to balance accountability with care.” At the time, she did not notice how much of an impact Miss Scott had on her, but now, as a coach and mentor herself, she finds that the leadership qualities Miss Scott embodied continue to guide Alyssa and her work ethic.
Alyssa states that her priorities and focus have changed since graduation. In high school, she was primarily focused on performance and results. Since graduating, she has put her focus more on “mentorship, consistency, and creating an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the court”, she says. Something that Alyssa is currently working on is building and strengthening the MIA Volleyball program. She emphasizes how rewarding it is to see all the work everyone has put into the program pay off. She states that she has seen “the growth of our athletes and the culture we’ve created together, but there is still so much potential ahead.”
Alyssa emphasizes that making the most of your time at MIA, whether it’s all four years or just one, means “be involved, be present, and build relationships.” This happens by attending events, supporting your classmates, and appreciating the community that MIA has. Alyssa also noted that “the time truly passes quickly, but the lessons, friendships, and memories you create here will stay with you long after graduation.” Alyssa’s experience at MIA had a lasting impact on her and helped her become the person she is today. Alyssa’s advice to future and current students at MIA would be to “take full advantage of every opportunity offered to you.” Take on academic challenges, extracurricular challenges, and everything in between. This has helped Alyssa find her own path and discover what she is passionate about.
