Libero/defensive specialist Amanda Cain earns scholarship
Published in the June 12, 2015 edition
AMANDA CAIN, a standout libero on the league champ MHS volleyball team and member of the 2012 State Champion team, recently signed a letter of intent to play at Merrimack College. Pictured is Cain (sitting) and (left to right) head coach Scott Celli, mother Robin Cain, father Michael Cain and assistant coach Steve Wall. (Donna Larsson photo)
MELROSE — Years of hard work, dedication and effort have paid dividends for Melrose High School volleyball starter Amanda Cain, who recently earned an athletic scholarship to Merrimack College.
The senior libero/defensive specialist wrapped up her high school volleyball career this year and will move on to join the Warriors next fall to compete with the best in Div. 2 NE-10 Conference. Over the three years Cain played for the Lady Raiders, the team won the Div. 2 title and State Championship in 2012 as well as Middlesex League titles in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The team also appeared in the Div. 2 Championship in 2013.
This year Cain earned a place on the Middlesex League All Star Team, being recognized for her accomplishments by several coaches. Cain was also named “Most Improved Player” and “Top Defender” for the Lady Red Raiders this past year. On Senior Award Night, Cain was also honored with the Danny Williams Memorial Scholarship at Melrose High.
Cain began as a freshman in 2011 playing on the junior varsity team. In 2012 she started for the junior varsity team and was called up during the run toward State Championship. She has attended several volleyball camps throughout her career at Roger Williams University, Sacred Heart University and participated in the program “Over the Net” in off season and moved to the varsity squad in 2013. In 2014 she earned the starting libero position for the varsity squad. Melrose head coach Scott Celli credits Amanda with hard work and dedication. “She is confident, caring and committed to excellence.”
Cain played every off season for travel Club teams, PUMA’s of North Andover and Team Evolution of Woburn. These Junior Olympic Teams traveled to Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and all throughout New England. She also traveled to Arizona every year to annual Volleyball Festival in Phoenix that hosts over 300 competitive teams throughout the U.S.A. and six countries.
Cain, reached for a comment, said, “I am really excited for this tremendous opportunity to play at Merrimack. I look forward to learning and improving my game at Merrimack College. I want to thank my Mom and Dad, my sister, coach Scott Celli, assistant coach Steve Wall and my coaches who have helped me develop into the player I am today. To get to this point as required a lot of dedication, commitment, sacrifice and support by many.”
Cain is the daughter of Michael and Robin Cain of Melrose and is the sister of Jennifer Cain who also plays for the Warriors. Both Cains are lifetime products of the Melrose Public School systems. The senior will major in Health Sciences and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.
