August 24, 2025
How a tough season-ending loss became a valuable learning experience for Verona’s freshman player
The season came to an end with a loss to Secaucus, 2-0, in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group 1 tournament final. For the Verona Hillbillies, it was a disappointing finish to what had been a good season. For freshman Brynn Mack, the 6’1″ outside hitter, it was a difficult but educational experience that would influence her approach to the game going forward.
“Our last game against Secaucus was really tough, and it stayed with me,” Mack says quietly. “In that match, we had trouble staying composed when the pressure mounted. Things we normally handled well, like serve receive and keeping our serves in bounds, became difficult.”
That painful defeat might have discouraged many young players, but for Mack, it became a valuable learning experience. The loss to Secaucus wasn’t just the end of her freshman year, it was the beginning of her commitment to continuous improvement.
Learning Through Experience
Mack’s freshman statistics reflect steady contribution to her team’s efforts. In 56 sets throughout the 2024 season, she recorded 356 kills while adding 240 digs, 111 service points, and 43 aces. These numbers helped support Verona’s solid 19-6 record, though Mack is quick to credit her teammates.
Her performance in key moments showed promise, including a strong 25-kill effort in a three-set victory over Rutherford in the state tournament semifinals. Still, she acknowledges there’s room for growth.
“Since that loss, we’ve been working on staying composed under pressure, what we call ‘controlled chaos,'” Mack explains. “That experience taught me I need to be better prepared for those crucial moments.”
The Value of Teamwork
What Mack appreciates most about her freshman season was learning from experienced teammates. Playing alongside senior setter Riley Kenrick, who contributed 569 assists, and juniors like Abbey Donnelly and Julie Maglifiore, Mack found herself in an environment focused on team success.
The team’s progress became evident during their run through the Essex County Tournament, where they reached the semifinals before falling to Millburn. Mack credits the team’s collective effort rather than individual achievements.
“I’m hopeful about this upcoming season,” Mack says regarding the coaching transition from Ryan Brown to Carly Waterman, a Verona graduate who played four seasons at Montclair State. “Coach Waterman has helped bring our team together, and we’re learning to support each other more.”
The graduation of key seniors presented challenges, but Mack sees it as an opportunity for growth. “We have some good returners like Sam Heimall, our senior setter, who’s been working hard in practice. Sophomore Vianna Arrington-Phillips has stepped up at libero after dealing with injury, and our transfer student from MSDA ,Mary Jane Finn, has been contributing at middle blocker.”
Growing as a Player
Under Coach Waterman’s guidance, Mack is working to develop both her physical and mental approach to volleyball. While her 6’0″ frame provides natural advantages, she focuses more on the areas needing improvement.
“Coach Carly has been really supportive of our whole team,” Mack reflects. “She’s helping me develop better mental toughness and has been patient as I work to improve.”
Mack has set goals for herself, though she approaches them with measured optimism. “I’m hoping to continue improving technically and get stronger physically by working out regularly,” she says. “Eventually, I’d love the opportunity to play Division I volleyball if I can develop enough as a player.”
Realistic Aspirations
The journey from New Jersey high school volleyball to Division I athletics requires significant development, and Mack understands the challenges ahead. Her freshman season provided valuable experience, particularly in matches against strong programs like Livingston and Millburn.
“Playing at that level would be amazing because it would push me to become the best player I can be,” Mack says about her college hopes. “But I know I have a lot of work ahead of me.”
Verona’s program has shown it can compete effectively within their section, as demonstrated by their tournament appearances in both Essex County and state playoffs. With returning contributors like Jessica Theobald, Abigail Romanyshyn, Abbey Donnelly, Olivia Baureis, Ellie Garcia, and the Maglifiore sisters, the team has reason for cautious optimism.
“Our team goal is to come together and see how far we can go,” Mack says. “Last year we struggled against teams like Secaucus, Livingston, and Millburn, so we’re curious to see if we’ve improved enough to be more competitive.”
Building on Lessons Learned
As Verona prepares for the new season, the team carries forward lessons from last year’s experiences. The combination of returning players, new additions, and motivation from previous shortfalls creates potential for growth.
“We’re working on the areas that gave us trouble last year,” Mack explains. “We hope the work pays off.”
The team’s preparation under Coach Waterman has focused on building upon previous seasons while addressing specific weaknesses. The emphasis on maintaining composure under pressure could help in tight situations.
“I think this team has the potential to improve on last season if we stay focused,” Mack observes carefully. “We’re still learning to work together, but we have more experience now. Last year taught us we need to be better prepared for the challenges ahead.”
A Student of the Game
What makes Mack’s approach noteworthy isn’t extraordinary talent claims or bold predictions, it’s her willingness to learn from setbacks. The Secaucus loss that ended her freshman season became a teaching moment rather than a source of discouragement.
“Our team is getting better at communicating and supporting each other,” she notes. “I think that will help when games get intense.”
As Verona prepares to take the court this season, fans can expect to see a team that has learned from experience and grown from challenges. In Mack, they have a player who understands that improvement comes through hard work and learning from both successes and failures.
“When people come to watch us play, I hope they see a team that plays hard and competes well,” Mack says modestly.
For a player who learned valuable lessons from disappointment and chose growth over discouragement, these words reflect genuine commitment to improvement. Her freshman season provided a foundation, and now the real work begins.
