March 23, 2021 – By NJP

As Quinn Longo enters her senior year volleyball campaign, she has so much to look forward to. She plays for an outstanding school volleyball team and has a clear vision for her future in the health industry.

Many seniors her age are typically quite undecided about what their future may hold. But Quinn has the focus and determination that will get her far in the real world and on the volleyball court.

One of her main strengths is her versatility. She is hitting outside this season, after setting last season. She is one of those players that can slide to pretty much any position on the court to help her team. She puts the team first before her personal goals and is a mentor and leader for the team.

Quinn is a driven leader. She is a four-year varsity player, Team MVP 2018, 2019, All-Conference every year, First Team Statewide All Group 3 in 2019, and Third Team Statewide All-Group 3 in 2018 as a sophomore.

She has the ability to absolutely dominate a game. We can use Monday’s game as an example vs. Pope John. Quinn started the second game with 16 straight service points leading the Gaels to a 25-5 win over a team that was 2-1 with wins over West Morris Central and Mount Olive and a very narrow loss to Mendham.

We get the impression that Quinn will be able to conquer just about anything she sets her mind to in the future. And we wish her well this Spring season and beyond.

Here is our interview with Ms. Longo…

“Quinn has been a constant in the Roxbury High School Gym since she was in 5th grade. Quinn is a Roxbury Volleyball girl, which is way different than a girl who merely plays at Roxbury. She embodies everything that a Roxbury Volleyball player should be: she is selfless, a constant energy-giver, and a tremendous role model and mentor to our younger girls.” – Anthony McMichael, Roxbury Head Coach

Tell us a bit about yourself, Quinn?

My name is Quinn Longo and I am a senior at Roxbury High School graduating in 2021. I live with my parents, Mark and Joanne, my twin sisters, Carly and Des, and my labradoodle Colbie. 

How long have you played volleyball and what inspired you to take up volleyball initially?

I started playing club volleyball in 4th grade, taking after my sisters who also played. I played on the 13 area team at Allegro, where we traveled around the tri state area. 

What are your metrics/details? Height, vertical, position, club team, etc. What’s your favorite position to play?

I am 5’8” with a 17″ Vertical. Positions I have played: Outside full rotation, setter, right side full rotation. I really love playing all 3 positions and like them for different reasons. Depending on the season and the teams needs, I tend to go where I’m needed.

“Quinn is far and away the most versatile player I have ever coached. To my knowledge, she is the only Morris County volleyball player and one of only a handful of statewide players in recent years to earn First-Team All-Conference Honors as both a hitter (2018), and as a Setter (2019). Quinn can play every position on the court, and she can play every position well. She is always willing to serve her teammates in any way to help the team succeed.” – Anthony McMichael, Roxbury Head Coach

Tell us about your Gael teammates. Who do you expect will be this year’s standout and up and coming players?

I’m super excited for this season because I think we have a lot of talent and experience. I believe that this year Juliana Medini’s hitting will be an extreme advantage because of how versatile she is. I also think Sammy Olander will be one of our key hitters because she can hit from anywhere on the court and is also great out of system. 

NJP considers you as one of the top players in the state in your age group. Are you already considering your college choices? What do you plan to study in college or what is your career path?

I am currently exploring my options in regard to playing volleyball in college. Since i’m interested in pursuing a career in Radiology /Ultrasound technology, my selection of schools is narrowed down to schools that offer my program. 

You have been so consistent with your serve, averaging around 50 aces per year. What’s your secret?

Honestly, I don’t think there is a secret to my serve, I just try to make sure when I get back to the line I take a deep breath to relax myself and always contact the ball at the highest point I can. 

You have had an amazing three-year high school career thus far. What are your goals for your senior season?

For my senior season, I hope to win counties and make a far run in the state tournament. 

Tell us about your current coaches at Roxbury…

My current coaches at Roxbury are Anthony McMichael and Ali Correnti. Everyday they push our team to be better and bring the best out of us. McMike always is working on new things in practice and is looking to find the best match ups for our team. Coach Ali also positively influences our team and prepares our JV team well for the varsity level. 

Your first two years playing at outside were outstanding with triple digit kills and digs as a freshman and sophomore. You switched to setter as a junior and had possibly an even bigger impact for your team with almost 500 assists, 46 kills, and 152 digs. Which position do you like better and which did you expect to play as a senior?

With our versatile line up this year, I believe all of our girls will succeed wherever they are put. I think this year I will be hitting outside, however with COVID things can change from day to day.

Who is your support group?

My support group would definitely have to be my mom, dad, and sisters, as well as all my friends.

“On the court, Quinn is a fierce competitor. Off the court, she is a thoughtful and intelligent student, and a friend to so many. I have had the pleasure of being Quinn’s academic teacher in both seventh and twelfth grades, and I am enormously proud of her growth. Simply put, she is just a wonderful young woman who makes everyone in her presence a better person.” – Anthony McMichael, Roxbury Head Coach

 What is your favorite volleyball story?

My favorite volleyball story would have to be kill cancer night my sophomore year. We beat Morris Knolls and I had 24 kills and 24 digs. It was exhilarating and a game I will never forget.

Is there a teacher or coach who really helped you along the way?

One coach who has always had a positive influence on my volleyball career is Jason Davilla. He has a great ability to improve players’ mentality and mechanics. 

“She’s a special kid. And honestly, like the happiest kid on the court. Really a dream to coach- we will miss her.” – Anthony McMichael, Roxbury Head Coach

What is your favorite psych up song to help prepare you for games?

One of my favorite hype up songs before a game would be Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest. Although it’s an older song, it still is a great one to listen to on my drive to the school.