Staff Writer
After the majority of the boys varsity volleyball team starters graduated last year, the non-seniors were expected to step up and fill the gaps.
Junior Connor Inlow has filled one of those spots by becoming one of the team’s starting outside hitters. Only a junior, Inlow’s debut on the varsity team came earlier than that of his brother, former Costa player Kevin Inlow, who did not become a starter on varsity until his senior year.
“Connor is an awesome player who brings it every moment of practice and every game,” senior outside hitter Riley Mallon said. “Even though he is only a junior, his determination and hard work make him a strong player.”
Inlow was inspired to play volleyball when his older brother began participating in the sport. Eventually, sibling rivalry and Connor Inlow’s desire to become better than his brother led him to join a club volleyball team in sixth grade.
“We were always really competitive growing up,” Kevin Inlow said. “He was always comparing himself to where I was at that age, and now I’d definitely give him the upper edge.”
In past years, only seniors have gotten to play as starters at the varsity level. However, due to the lower number of seniors in the program this season compared to previous years, Inlow has gained a spot in the starting line-up. Although his game-to-game records have demonstrated that he has the talent to play with the seniors, Inlow insists he learns from the experience daily.
“Being the only starting junior is an honor and a privilege,” Inlow said. “Costa is full of really talented volleyball players, so playing time is something I never take for granted.”
During Inlow’s freshman year at Costa, he stretched his spinal accessory nerve so thin that it could no longer transmit signals to his back and neck. He was not able to lift his hitting arm above his head. Miraculously, in March of that year, he began to see improvement in the use of his arm. Through frequent physical therapy, he was able to play again to his full extent by the beginning of his sophomore season.
“I thought, ‘I might have this injury my whole life,’” Inlow said. “Once I was able to play again, I realized how much I enjoyed playing the sport.”
Inlow hopes to continue to play volleyball at the collegiate level and has received offers from universities, but he must keep that information confidential.
“Volleyball is a ton of hard work, but I have met some of my best friends through this sport,” Inlow said. “I’m just glad to be making such a positive impact on the team this year while I am having fun.”
Inlow is currently focused on helping the Costa team win Bay League and a CIF championship. He hopes to earn himself a championship ring to match that of his brother from 2012. Inlow hopes to finish out the season strong and gain experience that he can bring to the non-seniors next season.
The team is currently ranked first in Bay League with an overall record of 24-2 and a 7-0 Bay League record.
“This season we improved individually and as a team,” Inlow said. “The team chemistry is great, and we are all looking forward to CIF. We want to finish the season winning CIF,” Inlow said.
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