Coach Eleni Tsaparakis first started playing volleyball at the age of 13, when her best friend at the time had encouraged her to try out. She made the team and from then on, her love for volleyball grew. She played throughout high school at Norwalk High, and went on to play in college at UMass Dartmouth. She became the team captain in her last couple years, showing her dedication to the team. Her role as a player and later a captain is what she loved most. Now, she plays grass and beach competitive doubles volleyball tournaments in the tri-state and New England area.
Coach Len started coaching at Northeast Volleyball Club, but then returned to Norwalk High 4 years ago. She started coaching as the freshman coach, eventually making her way to Head and Varsity Coach. Mr. Marchetti, the sports director at Norwalk high, commented on why he hired our volleyball coach. He said that she was very passionate about the sport and had established great relationships with the members of the team before she became head coach. “She does all of the little things that make a program run smoothly and efficiently,” he continued, “and works hard to improve our team at all levels.”
Len says that she wanted to coach because she felt as though she was ready skill wise as well as teaching wise. Throughout her volleyball career, she worked hard to get to where she is now, still playing and coaching. However, she also said that she was at the tail end of playing and wanted to still be connected to the sport.
Her brother, George Tsaparakis, a math teacher and JV volleyball coach at Norwalk High said, “She is the embodiment of hard work, dedication and desire when it comes to her volleyball career.” He’s been on the sidelines of the court for her since ninth grade when she first started volleyball. He continued to say, “She is the person on the court people look to for inspiration and help.” His works highlight her dedication and loyalty to the sport, even as a coach now.
She loves the camaraderie, confidence and skill she got from playing, and she wanted to help others feel the same way. Specifically, she says the “click” that happens when a player does something they didn’t know they could. In practice, a game, or even during school, these skills can help someone thrive in life.
