August 20, 2025
Toms River South junior middle blocker continues to elevate her game after committing to D1 East Carolina University
Most high school volleyball players dream of playing at the Division I level. For Toms River South junior Melanie Pinales, that dream became reality when she committed to East Carolina University as just a sophomore at the age of 16. But her path to collegiate volleyball success wasn’t always obvious.
“I only starting to play volleyball in 8th grade and after seeing how much love that I had for the sport, it really motivated me to train over the summer and during the offseason,” Pinales reflects on her early volleyball journey. What began as a late introduction to the sport has transformed into a remarkable success story that continues to unfold on the courts of Toms River South High School.
From Freshman Phenom to College Commit
Pinales’ rapid ascension in volleyball is nothing short of extraordinary. Making varsity as a first-year student was just the beginning of what would become an inspiring trajectory. “Making varsity after only starting to play volleyball in my last year of grammar school was inspiring. Realizing that I could do that has really pushed me to believe that with the right amount of work and devotion, you can see all the possibilities and outcomes you can achieve in this game.”
That work ethic paid dividends when she received the call that would change her life. “Making my decision to play Division 1 volleyball at East Carolina University and committing at 16 was a very special moment for me. Knowing that I could play at this level and committing during the summer of my sophomore year to such a great program has impacted how I view the game now and my dedication to it.”
Building on Success at Toms River South
As the Indians prepare for the upcoming season, Pinales brings both leadership and proven production to the court. Last season, she was a dominant force for Toms River South, appearing in 59 sets while recording 79 kills and an impressive 34.5 blocks from her middle blocker position. Her 97 service points and 41 aces demonstrated her well-rounded game that extends far beyond just net presence.
“With South’s season starting soon, I feel pretty good about our team this year,” Pinales says with confidence. “Some strengths I have noticed in practice that make me excited about our team’s chances this year is our communication on the court, and how much our overall team talent has improved.”
The Indians finished last season with an 18-10 record and an 8-5 mark in Shore Conference A South play, reaching the semifinals of the South Jersey Group 3 tournament. This year’s squad returns key contributors alongside Pinales, creating optimism for an even stronger campaign.
“Some of our key returners and new faces fans should keep an eye on are Grace Hewitt, Ava Colon, Cora Olcott, Sophia Butler, and Giana Denino,” Pinales notes. “I think as a whole, our team chemistry is really great, I have good relationships with all the girls and that is truly what helps us on the court as well.”
The returning core brings impressive credentials. Junior outside hitter Cora Olcott tallied 122 kills and 96 digs last season, while senior outside hitter Giana Denino led the team with 126 kills and added 90 digs. Sophomore setter Ava Colon distributed 118 assists while contributing 51 kills and 81 digs in her debut campaign.
Championship Aspirations
With two weeks remaining before the season opener, Pinales and her teammates have their sights set high. “Our team’s goals for this season are working hard to get a Shore Conference title and advance as far as we can in states,” she declares. “Some teams I think will be our biggest competition this year is Donovan, North, and Southern.”
Those goals aren’t unrealistic given the talent assembled under head coach Kimberly Williams. “I see my teammates and me filling big roles this year. I believe we have a lot to prove about our talent, and I’m so excited for it to be demonstrated.”
The preparation has been thorough and purposeful. “I think my coaches’ approach for these preseason practices has been focused on gaining better ball control and getting better offensively,” Pinales explains. “When fans come to watch us play, they should expect competitive, high-energy volleyball.”
Personal Growth and Future Focus
While team success remains paramount, Pinales has established clear individual objectives for her junior campaign. “Some goals I have set for myself this season are to learn from both successes and failures and to gain more efficiency to help me become a more strategic and quicker player on the court.”
Her commitment to improvement extends beyond high school competition. “I am putting in the work and effort to get as many reps as possible because I know there is a great level of competitive play at ECU, and I really want to be the best I can be, on and off the court.”
Pinales credits her development to the coaching she receives both at Toms River South and with her club team. “My coaches at both TRS and East Coast Crush have helped support my development and volleyball goals by pushing me to my best.”
The Foundation of Success
Beyond volleyball, Pinales maintains a strong foundation that guides her approach to life and athletics. “Faith, family, education, and volleyball are the most important aspects of my life,” she states. “Growing up with parents who always supported my dreams and told me that nothing is impossible is really what built me up to who I am today. I’m always appreciative for them along with older brother who showed me that it’s very important to always be humble and kind.”
Her academic pursuits align with her athletic goals as she plans to major in Kinesiology at East Carolina. “Academics are definitely a priority for me. I aspire to play collegiate volleyball and thrive in Kinesiology for my major.”
The balance between athletics and academics reflects her mature perspective on the opportunities ahead. “Also knowing that ECU will be the place that will continue pushing me and my development makes me know I made the right decision.”
Looking Ahead
As the Indians prepare to take the court for their season opener, Pinales embodies the potential for what dedication and hard work can achieve. Her journey serves as inspiration for young athletes everywhere.
“I think we have the potential to make it far this year. The group of girls we are building is something special. What really makes the difference is our collective offseason training that has been such a positive factor in our offense and overall,” she concludes.
With championship aspirations, individual growth goals, and a college future already secured, Melanie Pinales represents the best of high school athletics. Her story continues to unfold on the volleyball courts of Toms River South, where a young woman who discovered her passion and now stands as a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets determination.
The upcoming season promises to be another chapter in an already remarkable journey, one that began with a late start but has no intention of slowing down.