Aciz is all aces with Secaucus’ setters
Volleyball queen a joy to watch for veteran coach Nolan
When you’ve been involved with the sport of volleyball for more than a quarter of a century, like Secaucus veteran coach Maria Nolan has been, you have practically seen everything and anything that you can in the sport.
There are some times that you see things that are taken for granted, others that amaze you, yet others that are tucked away in the memory bank forever.
Then, there’s the play of senior Tiffany Aciz. The multi-talented Aciz (whose name is appropriately pronounced ACES) has been so brilliant this year for the Patriots that Nolan just simply finds herself watching Aciz play and enjoying every minute, like one watches a movie or a concert.
"She’s very pleasing to watch," Nolan said. "And yes, I enjoy watching her play. She’s very good and you have to enjoy watching her. She’s very smooth and does everything well. She is so athletic. She has quick feet and glides to the ball. I love watching how she gets to the ball."
Added Nolan, "When she gets to a ball, she’s able to hit the ball. And when she hits the ball, she puts it away. She dove for a ball the other day and was still able to make the play. It really was something to see."
Last Saturday night at Stevens Tech, Aciz put on a show for the entire county to see, leading Secaucus to its ninth straight Hudson County Coaches Association championship. Aciz did a little bit of everything in helping the Patriots gain the title, defeating Memorial 15-7.
In the finals, Aciz collected 13 service points. Three were aces (like her name), and there were three kills, five blocks, five assists and eight digs. The only thing she didn’t do was sell programs before the match and drive the team bus home afterwards.
"I like being involved in everything," Aciz said. "It’s fun being out on the court, diving all over the place. Once you learn how to dive, you want to do it all the time. I didn’t realize I was doing all that I did and I never think about the stats. I guess it just sort of happened."
After clinching the county crown, Aciz was at it again on Tuesday, collecting 13 service points, two of which were aces, five assists, 14 digs and five kills in a 15-8, 15-9 sweep of Emerson Borough. The two impressive performances enabled the Patriots to improve their seasonal mark to 21-1.
It would be very hard to statistically top the two performances Aciz put forward in the last week. No wonder Nolan likes watching her play so much.
And for her efforts, Aciz has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week.
Nolan has been impressed with the way Aciz has become the leader of a team has captured five straight Group I state championships.
"She’s quietly did what she had to do before, but this year, she’s so much more sure of herself," Nolan said. "She’s definitely taken on the role of a leader. She’s concerned that everyone else knows what they’re doing. And she’s a very steadying influence on the court. She’s smart and helping the others with strategies, with what they should do."
In years past, Aciz never took on the leadership role.
"All the other years, I looked up to the seniors and supported them," Aciz said. "But I felt it wasn’t my place to say anything. But now that I’m a senior, it was time for me to take control."
Aciz said that she prepared for her final season by playing club volleyball with the Cut Shots of Paramus during the off-season.
"It made me become more consistent," Aciz said. "That was my goal this year, to become more consistent and more active. I think it’s working."
Nolan is also impressed with Aciz’ demeanor.
"She’s not boastful and not showy," Nolan said. "She’s very easy going. I used to think she was very shy and quiet. She used to be that way. It’s not the case anymore."
"I’m just out there having fun," Aciz said. "When I need to be vocal, I can be."
Aciz is also a consummate team player.
"She gets along so well with the other players," Nolan said. "A lot of players don’t have that ability, but she does. Tiffany was one of our top players last year, but she realized that it wasn’t her place to be vocal. But it’s her team this year. Thank goodness for Tiffany Aciz. I don’t know where we would be without her."
Aciz is considered to be one of the best players in the state, yet is still very unassuming of her talents.
"There’s always room for improvement," Aciz said. "I definitely have to keep working at it. There are some good points about being recognized, but I just have to remember to step up on each aspect of the game."
Aciz can’t be much better than she’s been lately, especially in the last week.
"I’m pretty happy, but we have a lot of the season to go," Aciz said. "I can’t be content."
Spoken like a true champion.