Longinotti unstoppable

Sometimes the last, small steps to achieving your potential begin deep in the soul, in a place where only loved ones can reach. Notre Dame-Belmont High senior Erin Longinotti was devastated last year when her grandparents died from natural causes six months apart. Gene and Claire Longinotti gave their granddaughter a sense of belief that there was no limit to what she could accomplish. Now Longinotti takes the confidence she developed as a result from her grandparents’ love into every facet of life — especially onto the volleyball court. "It was so hard when they passed away,” Longinotti said. "I can’t tell you how supportive they were. Everyone needs people to believe in them, and my grandparents believed in me. That had a huge impact on my life.” It shows. In Notre Dame’s four-set win over Carlmont last week, Longinotti recorded a match-high 18 kills and 15 digs. The 5-foot-10, Columbia-bound outside hitter excelled in every phase of the game. When she was stationed in the back row, her passing was flawless. When Longinotti was positioned on the front line, she displayed an explosive vertical leap and swing. Her athleticism and ability to read defenses allow her to attack the ball from anywhere on the court. All of those attributes were on display against the rival Scots. Even though the match was the season-opener for both teams, it had the feel of a playoff game. A healthy-sized crowd and solid play from both teams energized everyone inside the Notre Dame gymnasium. Longinotti, 17, said her team had added pressure to win. "Coach (Monica) Marcuson always tells us we have to beat Carlmont,” Longinotti said. "She drills that into us because she’s never lost to Carlmont. It definitely feels good when we beat them, but it’s one of our most stressful matches.” Longinotti’s role for the Tigers has changed over the years. A four-year varsity standout, Longinotti has always been a vital cog in Notre Dame’s attack. This year, however, Marcuson has placed the leadership role squarely on Longinotti’s shoulder. "When I was a freshman and sophomore, I looked up to the seniors,” Longinotti said. "Now it’s my turn to guide the newcomers who were in my position when I was their age. The added responsibilities I have is to make sure everyone has the right mindset on and off the court. Our goal is to get better and in order to do that we have to play together.” Longinotti went into the offseason intent on improving her passing. With the help of her club coach, Will Yuen of the Vision 17-and-under gold team, Longinotti spent countless hours honing her passing. All the hard work paid off as Longinotti made a number of solid passes against Carlmont. Vision, one of the top club programs in Northern California, finished 10th in the Junior Olympics. Longinotti said she had a good showing at the event, which brings together dozens of Division I coaches. Longinotti must have made a good impression because Columbia started courting her after the tournament was over. Longinotti actually committed to the Ivy League school two days ago. Longinotti couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. She entered the club season relegated to the fact that she probably wouldn’t receive much playing time. Vision was loaded with some big-time Division I talent, but Longinotti chose to stick things out instead of playing with a lower-level squad because she wanted to compete with and practice against the best players. In the end her patience paid off because the player in front of her got injured a week before the start of the Junior Olympics. Athletes always have to be ready to capitalize on an opportunity, and Longinotti did exactly that. "It was unfortunate for the girl to get hurt,” Longinotti said. "I ended up playing the entire Junior Olympics, and it was a great opportunity for me to show coaches what I could do.” Longinotti has lived quite an interesting life. She spent the first three years of her life in Sacramento before moving to Tulsa, Okla., for five years and Portland, Ore., for three years. Her family moved to Burlingame when she was 11, and has lived there ever since. Longinotti spent some of her childhood relocating because of her dad’s job. Ron Longinotti is the president/general manager of the Bay Area’s local CBS television station affiliate, KPIX. While there were tearful good-byes every time she moved, Longinotti enjoyed her childhood. "I think my upbringing made me a stronger and more independent person,” she said. "I had a great group of friends in each place I lived, and having those different experiences have helped shape me as a person.” And so did her grandparents. Even though they’re physically not in the stands now, Longinotti said she could feel them in spirit. "I think they’re still sitting up there in the stands watching me,” she said. "I think they’re pretty proud of how far I’ve come.” Emanuel Lee can be reached at emanuel@smdailyjournal.com and (650) 344 5200, ext. 109.