5-26-25
Standing at 6’4″ with an imposing presence at the net, senior middle blocker Alaittim De Leon has become the focal point of Harrison High School’s volleyball resurgence under new head coach Anthony Sabia. As the Blue Tide maintains an exceptional 24-2 record and stands perfect at 8-0 in the NJIC National Division, De Leon’s remarkable journey from a reluctant freshman to one of New Jersey’s premier middle blockers epitomizes the program’s championship aspirations.
“My interest in volleyball began during my freshman year, even though I wasn’t playing at the time,” De Leon reflects on his introduction to the sport. “It all started in a PE class, where I discovered I had a natural ability for the sport and at 6’2″ as a freshman, I had the height for it.” That natural ability, combined with encouragement from his PE teacher, would eventually lead to a decision that De Leon now considers transformative. “Looking back, I truly regret not starting sooner, because joining the team was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
De Leon’s statistical dominance this season speaks volumes about his development as a player. With 169 kills and 48 blocks in 55 sets played, he has established himself as “one of the state’s top middles” according to Coach Sabia. His career totals of 288 kills and 87 blocks demonstrate consistent excellence that has made him an integral part of Harrison’s sustained success. Most recently, in the Blue Tide’s 2-0 victory over North Arlington, De Leon exploded for 12 kills while adding 8 service points and 4 aces, showcasing the complete skill set that makes him such a valuable asset.
The transition to Anthony Sabia as head coach has been seamless for both De Leon and the entire Harrison program. Sabia, a 2004 graduate of Harrison High School who played volleyball for the Blue Tide under then head coach Larry Manning when the program was still in its infancy, returned to Harrison as a teacher and later became involved with the volleyball program. For 16 years, he served as the top assistant to Nick Landy, helping build Harrison into a legitimate state power. When asked about the coaching transition, De Leon emphasizes the continuity: “The team adapted almost immediately to our new head coach, Sabia. In many ways, we always saw him as a second head coach even last season, since he played a major role in our success.”
The impact of Sabia’s guidance on De Leon’s development cannot be overstated. “If I had to name the one who’s had the biggest influence on me, it would be my head coach, Anthony Sabia,” De Leon explains. “Coach Sabia has given me so much both on and off the court. His dedication, effort, and the lessons he’s taught me have shaped me into the player I am today. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t be anywhere near the level I’m at now.”
Under Sabia’s leadership, Harrison has maintained its position among New Jersey’s elite volleyball programs. The Blue Tide recently captured their third straight Hudson County championship, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the highest level of competition. This latest county title adds to an impressive resume that includes four Hudson County championships, two North Jersey, Section 2 titles and five division championships during the Landy-Sabia partnership.
The mental aspects of volleyball have proven equally important to De Leon’s evolution as a player. “The mental aspect I’ve been working on the most is overcoming self-doubt, especially during high-pressure games where I draw the most attention from the opposing blockers,” he admits. “When I don’t get the kills I expect, I sometimes start doubting myself, and that hesitation affects the rest of my game.” This honest self-assessment demonstrates the maturity that has helped him become a leader on a team loaded with senior talent.
Harrison’s remarkable 24-2 record this season reflects the team’s collective growth and experience. “The biggest difference this season compared to previous ones is the level of experience we’ve gained, especially when it comes to competing at a higher level,” De Leon observes. “Last season, we were made up almost entirely of juniors, which meant we were still learning how to navigate tough matches and high-pressure situations.” That experience has translated into a team capable of mounting dramatic comebacks, with Sabia noting “more than a couple of occasions where we’ve been down by a few points late in sets and almost every single time they find a way to come back and win it”.
The strength of Harrison’s supporting cast has been crucial to their success. Senior setter Jeremy Rivera has distributed 561 assists this season, while outside hitters Yamil Espinoza (125 kills) and sophomore Ryan Manini (122 kills) provide consistent offensive threats. The addition of junior transfer Jonathan Petrillo from Kearny has given the Blue Tide another imposing presence at 6-foot-3, with 157 kills and 30 blocks. According to Sabia, “He’s another imposing presence. He gets up in the air and he is another one that can hit from all three positions on the court”.
De Leon’s leadership style reflects his positive approach to the game. “I would describe my leadership style as someone who leads with energy and positivity,” he explains. “Even when we’re down, I make it a point to bring positive energy onto the court because I know that staying negative only brings the team down.” This leadership proved invaluable during the team’s recent setbacks, including losses to Bridgewater-Raritan and Fair Lawn. “My goal is always to uplift and encourage, helping the team stay focused and confident no matter the situation.”
The technical aspects of De Leon’s game continue to evolve, particularly his blocking technique. “Blocking has been one of my biggest challenges as a player,” he acknowledges. “Despite my height, I struggled with timing, closing the block, pressing over the net, and often found myself guessing where the ball was going.” His dedication to improvement is evident in his approach: “Every practice, I set a goal to improve in that area. After each session, I reflect on what I need to work on, and blocking is always at the top of that list.”
Looking ahead to the postseason, De Leon’s goals are crystal clear and ambitious. “While becoming a back-to-back County Champion is always a priority, my focus has shifted since last season ended. My ultimate goal is to become a state champion,” he declares with unwavering determination. “This time, I’m not just aiming for a deep run like we had last year. I’m going for the win, plain and simple. That’s the only goal I have.”
Harrison’s challenging schedule has prepared them well for this championship pursuit. The Blue Tide faced elite competition throughout the season, including ranked opponents like Bridgewater-Raritan and Fair Lawn. As Sabia explains their philosophy: “When we know that we have the horses, we never felt it was the right move to hide from the better competition. We might end up taking a loss or two against one of these better teams, but we’re hoping that it pays off for us in the long run”.
The collegiate future beckons for De Leon, who has the statistical credentials and physical tools to compete at the next level. “I’m confident in my ability to play at the collegiate level,” he states, outlining his priorities for a college program: “First and foremost, I want to be in a program with great coaching, where I can build a strong, supportive relationship with my coach to help me become the best player I can be. I’m also seeking a program with a proven track record of success, as that speaks to the quality and culture of the team.”
Beyond volleyball, De Leon recognizes the profound life lessons the sport has provided. “Volleyball has taught me numerous life lessons that I know will continue to benefit me long after my playing days are over,” he reflects. “First and foremost, the sport has instilled in me the importance of teamwork and communication. I’ve learned how to be resilient in the face of adversity, understanding that setbacks are part of the journey and how to bounce back stronger.”
As Harrison prepares for the state tournament with championship aspirations, Alaittim De Leon embodies everything that makes this program special. His journey from a hesitant freshman to a dominant senior mirrors the program’s evolution under Sabia’s guidance. With their sights set on a state championship and a legacy of excellence to uphold, the Blue Tide’s remarkable season continues to unfold with De Leon leading the charge at the net.
The combination of individual excellence, team chemistry, and championship experience positions Harrison volleyball for a memorable conclusion to what has already been an exceptional season. For De Leon and his teammates, the ultimate prize remains within reach, making every practice, every set, and every match a step closer to achieving their collective dream of a state championship.
