Student-Athlete Spotlight: Kiana Marizan sets record as 1st LHS volleyball player to reach 1,000 assists

Dec. 7, 2024

By Nikalena Iacono
Managing Editor

Senior setter Kiana Marizan has a lot to celebrate this season. In addition to her team becoming Section 2, Group 2 champion against West Morris Mendham High School at home on Nov. 12, Marizan became the first volleyball player in LHS history to reach 1,000 assists. 

Marizan’s accomplishment came early in the first set during an away game against Montville Township High School on Oct. 7.

“After the game, I immediately ran to my dad,” Marizan said. “He made sure he left work early to watch the game. I was just full of pride and really proud of myself at the moment,” Marizan said. 

Marizan, a three-year varsity player, said watching her older sister Jozlyn, a Class of 2021 graduate, play influenced her decision to pursue the sport. She recalls her sister winning the semifinal round of states against Hasbrouck Heights High School during her senior year. 

“I didn’t expect to see so much growth in my skills during these past four years. It really amazes me how much my hard work has paid off.”

 “Watching my sister and her team on that court cheering made me realize I want to enjoy that same feeling of winning such a big game,” Marizan said. 

She said her first significant accomplishment in the sport was becoming a starter as a sophomore.

Marizan said she did not expect to reach 1,000 assists during her high school career. However, she surpassed that achievement, finishing the season with 1,240 assists. 

“I am really proud of myself for being able to reach a milestone like this,” Marizan said. “I didn’t expect to see so much growth in my skills during these past four years. It really amazes me how much my hard work has paid off.” 

Marizan said she attained such success because of Head Coach Vahalla, her teammates and all the training she did during the off-season. 

She said the most challenging aspect of being a setter is the responsibility that comes with the position.

“I have to adjust to whatever pass I get and do the best I can to give the hitters what they need,” Marizan said. 

Senior outside hitter Asya Akar, who has been on varsity for four years, described Marizan as kind and optimistic.

“She has good energy both on and off the court,” Akar said. “Her best qualities are that she is strong and doesn’t reminisce [about] her mistakes on the court. She is smart with the decisions she makes.” 

Akar said she was excited to witness Marizan reach 1,000 assists.

“When she hit it, I was so proud and happy for her. She deserves it,” Akar said. 

Vahalla, who has been coaching at LHS for 11 years, said Marizan is an outstanding setter who hustles for every ball. 

“Kiana is a confident player, and that is extremely important in volleyball. As a setter, you need to be able to control and run the court, and she does exactly that,” Vahalla said. 

He said Marizan is a hard worker who strives to strengthen her skills.

“She listens to suggestions on improving her game and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her teammates,” Vahalla said. “The hard work and dedication she puts in every practice and game is incredible.” 

Vahalla said after Marizan’s junior season, he had no doubt she could reach 1,000 assists.

“With the hitters on this team, she was able to accomplish something no other [LHS] volleyball player has ever been able to do,” Vahalla said.

He said it was an incredible achievement, and she deserves the recognition she has received.

“Kiana has been an absolute pleasure to coach. Her confidence, play and personality make her one of the best athletes I have ever coached,” said Vahalla.