The 2025 volleyball season was a standout for North Salem. The Tigers won their first Section 1 title since 1995 and the season ended in a regional final.
The team was lead by senior outside hitter Ally Maza. She's one of the toughest frontline players in Section 1 on and off the court.
Learn more about how she got into the volleyball, her off the court battles and her hopes for her senior season as we recently caught up with her.
When did you start playing volleyball?
Maza: I started playing volleyball in seventh grade, so I was 12 years old.
What got you into volleyball?
Maza: My mom was the one who got me into volleyball. I played softball pretty much my entire life until freshman year, and as COVID was starting to wind down, my mom decided to put
me in volleyball and I'm so grateful she did.
What position do you play?
Maza: This year, I play outside hitter.
What do you like about the position?
Maza: I really like the versatility of playing outside. For the last three years, I played middle, so I didn’t get to play much defense, which is actually one of my favorite parts of the game. Playing outside has allowed me to be involved in more parts of the game and contribute in different ways.
Do you play club volleyball? If you do, where?
Maza: I’m not playing club this year, but for the last three years I played for Downstate Juniors Volleyball Club in Peekskill.
Your mom, Melissa, mentioned a chronic illness that will have you every 4-6 weeks getting treatment, what’s going on?
Maza: I have a chronic illness called ulcerative colitis, which I was diagnosed with in eighth grade. The disease caused extreme fatigue and joint pain, which is why I missed a lot of my freshman season because I was in and out of the hospital. Now, I receive infusions every couple of weeks, and thankfully, I’ve been doing well over the last few years.
How difficult is it for you to be treated for ulcerative colitis and continue playing volleyball at such a high level?
Maza: In the past, it was more difficult for me to get on the court because I wanted to play so badly, but my symptoms sometimes made it difficult for me to physically do that. There were times when I would feel lightheaded or exhausted, which made playing hard. Now, I don’t really experience those symptoms anymore, so my illness doesn’t affect my ability to get on the court nearly as much as it used to.
How do you deal with those days when you have to stay in the hospital and then go play the next day?
Maza: Honestly, it has just become part of my routine now. My coach is very understanding about my health and is always looking out for me. Usually, when I’m in the hospital, I’ll do homework or watch TV shows, and then I try to get right back to school so I can practice or play.
How have your teammates been supportive through this?
Maza: My teammates, both past and present, have always been really supportive. They check in on me when they see that I’m not feeling well and always text me when I’m in the hospital. At the same time, they don’t treat me any differently because they know what I bring to the team, and I really appreciate that.
How has ulcerative colitis changed your mindset in life and in your sport?
Maza: My illness has made me much more grateful that I’m able to play the sport I love and compete at the level I do. Not being able to play my freshman year was mentally frustrating, but that experience made me realize that I can’t take my health or the opportunity to play a sport for granted. There are so many kids who don’t have that opportunity, and I’m really grateful that I do.
Can you put into words what last season was like for the team?
Maza: Last season was a really big accomplishment for our team. Winning sectionals for the first time in 30 years was surreal, especially because we had all worked so hard to get there after losing the year before. Seeing all of that hard work pay off was an amazing feeling.
Can you put into words what last season was like for you individually?
Maza: For me, last season was an incredible accomplishment. I’m a very passionate player, so winning was one of the best moments of my volleyball career. Getting to play with my best friends at the County Center was such a special experience and definitely a core memory for me.
What stands out to you from last year?
Maza: What stands out to me most from last year was the relationships we built and the team dynamic we had. That bond is something we’ve been able to carry into this season, even with a lot of new underclassmen stepping into new roles. It’s been really special to see that same team culture continue.
What's the goal for your senior season?
Maza: My goals for my senior season are to reach 500 kills and make it back to the County Center.
Are you gonna play volleyball next year in college?
Maza: I don’t plan on continuing my volleyball career in college, so this season is especially meaningful to me. I want to make the most of my last year, enjoy every moment, and appreciate the time I have left with my teammates.
What’s your hope for the future of the North Salem program?
Maza: My hope for the future of the North Salem volleyball program is that coach (Toni) Fiore continues to build hardworking, kind, and supportive teammates who genuinely care about each other and love the sport just as much as I do.
What do you love about volleyball?
Maza: What I love most about volleyball is the relationships you build with your teammates. The bus rides, team bonding, wins, losses, and everything in between have created memories that I’ll hold onto for a long time. Those relationships are one of the biggest reasons I’ll always love this sport.
What has the sport of volleyball given you?
Maza: Volleyball has given me so much more than just a sport to play. It has given me some of my best friends, teammates who have become like family, and a place where I can escape from everything else and focus on doing what I love. I’ll always be grateful for the people, memories, and experiences that volleyball has given me.
Twitter: @LoHud_Debbie
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: North Salem's Ally Maza discusses volleyball, adversity and winning
