9-18-25
The gymnasium at Parsippany Hills High School buzzes with anticipation as the Vikings prepare for another match in what has already proven to be a remarkable season. At the center of it all stands Juliet Galante, the junior outside hitter whose powerful presence at the net has become synonymous with the team’s early success. With 48 kills through just 13 sets this season, Galante has emerged as the driving force behind a Vikings squad that has transformed from a solid program into a legitimate championship contender.
Coming off a strong 17-9 campaign last year, Parsippany Hills entered the 2025 season with heightened expectations and a roster built around continuity and chemistry. Leading that charge is Galante, whose 122 kills and 52 aces during her sophomore season established her as one of Morris County’s most dangerous offensive weapons. Now, as a junior with college aspirations firmly in sight, she has embraced the dual role of statistical leader and emotional catalyst for a team that believes this could be their breakthrough year.
Building on a Foundation of Success
The Vikings’ impressive 5-1 start hasn’t come by accident. Under head coach Vic Lavin’s guidance, the program has cultivated a culture of excellence that extends beyond individual achievements to encompass genuine team chemistry and shared purpose. Galante recognizes this foundation as the cornerstone of their early success.
“We came into the season with an enthusiastic and talented group of girls, and it’s been exciting to see that translate into success right away,” Galante explains. “We were able to earn 4 wins to start, which really built our confidence. From day one, there’s been a strong sense of connection within the team. All the girls on the court have such a good relationship with one another, and that chemistry makes a huge difference.”
This chemistry manifests itself in tangible ways during matches, creating an environment where individual talents amplify rather than compete with each other. “It helps us communicate better, support each other, and adjust quickly during games,” she continues. “One of our biggest strengths is how close-knit and supportive we are, both on and off the court. In practice, the energy is always positive, and everyone lifts each other up.”
The results speak volumes about this approach. Through six matches, Galante has maintained remarkable consistency, recording kills in double figures in four of five completed games, including a standout 15-kill performance against Millburn in their season-opening 2-1 victory.
The Supporting Cast That Makes It Work
While Galante’s offensive prowess garners much of the attention, she’s quick to acknowledge the teammates who make her success possible. The Vikings’ strength lies not in any single superstar but in the collective talent and experience of a deep, veteran-heavy roster.
“Most of our team from last year are returners this year, which gives us a solid foundation to build on,” Galante notes. “Our junior setter, Apoorva Bhargava, is definitely someone to keep an eye on. She’s an all-around great player, strong both on offense and defense, and her quick decision-making is a big part of our success.”
Bhargava’s contributions extend far beyond her 102 assists and 21 aces. As the team’s primary setter, she serves as the offensive coordinator, distributing the ball efficiently while contributing 17 kills of her own. The chemistry between Galante and Bhargava has become one of the Vikings’ most potent weapons, creating scoring opportunities that opponents struggle to defend.
Equally important is senior libero Julia Pars, whose defensive leadership provides the foundation for everything else the team accomplishes. “Julia Pars, our senior libero, is another key player,” Galante emphasizes. “She’s a fantastic defensive presence and really knows how to energize the team and keep the momentum going, especially when things get tough.”
Pars’ 56 digs through the first six matches demonstrate her impact, but her leadership extends beyond statistics to encompass the intangible qualities that separate good teams from great ones. Her ability to maintain energy and composure during challenging moments has proven invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.
Leadership and Personal Growth
As she enters her junior year, Galante has embraced the increased responsibility that comes with being one of the team’s most experienced and productive players. The transition from talented underclassman to team leader represents a crucial step in her development both as an athlete and as a person.
“Beyond individual team talent, our ability to work together and understand each other on the court has grown a lot,” she reflects. “As for my role, I see myself as a leader and role model for the team over the next two years. I want to help set the tone with my attitude and work ethic and make sure everyone feels supported as we push toward our goals.”
This leadership philosophy extends beyond volleyball skills to encompass the character traits that define successful programs. Galante understands that her influence reaches beyond her impressive statistics, touching every aspect of how the team approaches both practice and competition.
“I have a team-first mentality, so this season I want to do everything I possibly can to put our team in a position for success,” she explains. “I want to have a bigger voice on the court and grow and learn from my mistakes. Ultimately, my goal is to lead by example, inspire my teammates, and help us reach our full potential together.”
Championship Dreams and Realistic Goals
The Vikings’ early success has fueled legitimate championship aspirations, but Galante and her teammates remain grounded in their approach to achieving those lofty goals. Their focus centers on steady improvement rather than getting ahead of themselves.
“Our first goal this season is to improve on last year’s 17-9 record,” Galante states matter-of-factly. “As a team, we focus on taking it game by game, staying present and giving our best each time we step on the court. We’d love to see ourselves take a league title this season, whether that’s at the Morris County Tournament or by making a deeper run in States.”
The path to those goals runs through some formidable competition, particularly within their own division. Galante identifies the primary obstacle standing between the Vikings and their championship dreams.
“We think Randolph will be our biggest competition this season in our division and maybe even the conference,” she acknowledges. “Playing them will be a great test for us to see how far we can push ourselves. Overall, we’re excited to keep building momentum and prove that we can compete with the best teams in the region.”
The upcoming matchup with Randolph on September 19th looms as a potential season-defining moment, offering the Vikings an opportunity to measure themselves against elite competition while showcasing their championship credentials.
College Dreams and Future Aspirations
For Galante, the success of her junior season represents more than just high school achievements. Her outstanding performance has caught the attention of college recruiters, opening doors to opportunities at the next level that seemed distant just two years ago.
“I am planning on playing volleyball in college,” she confirms. “I’m a very competitive person, so playing at the next level is the dream. I’m drawn to the disciplined training and high expectations, but what really draws me is the team culture. I love the idea of being part of a group of teammates, who are like family, supporting each other, pushing each other to improve and holding each other accountable.”
This perspective on college volleyball reveals the maturity that has made Galante such an effective leader at Parsippany Hills. Her understanding that success at the next level requires more than individual talent demonstrates the comprehensive approach that has served her well throughout her development.
The Support System Behind Success
Galante’s journey to becoming one of New Jersey’s premier volleyball players didn’t happen in isolation. Behind every successful athlete lies a network of coaches, family members, and mentors who provide the foundation for achievement, and her story exemplifies the power of that collective support.
“My support group has played a huge role in helping me reach my volleyball goals,” she reflects. “My parents signed me up for my very first volleyball practice, even though I protested, and I’ve loved the sport ever since. They’ve supported me through four years of club, showing up to every high school game and traveling all over for tournaments. Their consistent encouragement and presence have kept me motivated and grounded.”
Her club volleyball experience has been equally influential in her development. “I started my club journey with Allegro Volleyball Club, where I spent three seasons and had my first club coach, Coach Iris. She was a huge part of my early development, not just with skills, but with mindset. She helped me build confidence and taught me to believe in myself both on and off the court.”
The transition to Sideout Sports has provided new challenges and opportunities for growth. “Now I’m in my second season with Sideout Sports, and I’m really excited to work with my new coach, Coach Artem. He brings a fresh perspective and coaching style, and I know I’m going to learn a lot and continue growing as a player under his guidance.”
The influence of high school coach Vic Lavin cannot be understated in Galante’s development. “My high school coach, Coach Lavin, has also been incredibly important in my development. He always holds me to a high standard and consistently counts on me to step up. That trust has pushed me to become a stronger leader and teammate.”
Looking Ahead with Confidence
As the season progresses and the Vikings continue their pursuit of championships, Galante’s confidence in the team’s trajectory remains unwavering. The combination of talent, chemistry, and experience that has fueled their early success provides the foundation for sustained excellence.
“I definitely expect our record to improve from last season,” she states with quiet confidence. “Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited. This team has a lot of potential, and the way we’ve started shows we’re on the right track. With our chemistry, work ethic, and depth, we believe we can keep building and make this a really special season.”
The optimism surrounding the Vikings program extends beyond mere hope to encompass genuine belief based on tangible evidence. Their early season performance against quality competition has validated the expectations while creating momentum for the challenges ahead.
“That kind of environment makes us want to fight for every win, not just for ourselves, but for each other,” Galante explains, capturing the essence of what makes this team special.
A Season of Possibilities
Juliet Galante’s journey from promising underclassman to team leader mirrors the trajectory of the Parsippany Hills volleyball program itself. What began as individual talent has evolved into collective excellence, creating the foundation for sustained success at the highest levels of New Jersey high school volleyball.
With championship dreams firmly within reach and college opportunities on the horizon, Galante embodies the perfect combination of present focus and future vision. Her ability to lead by example while maintaining the humility necessary for continued growth positions both her and her team for the kind of breakthrough season that defines careers and programs.
The Vikings’ championship window is open, and with Juliet Galante leading the charge, this could indeed prove to be the special season that transforms potential into reality. As the team continues its pursuit of Morris County and state titles, one thing remains certain: they have the leadership, talent, and chemistry necessary to achieve their loftiest goals.