Sam Apuzzo is at her best when she feels comfortable, yet she’s having her best season when she’s been made somewhat uncomfortable. This year, the quiet Boston College junior attacker was asked by head coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein to transform into a more vocal leader.

“Coming in this year, I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty shy and pretty soft-spoken, so being that big communicator on offense has made me step outside of my comfort zone,” Apuzzo said. “I’ve been talking to my coach Acacia and my teammates about how as a team we can step up. I kind of see myself as a leader by example rather than being this outspoken person.”