INJURED STAR HELPING G-D SHINE ON COURT
Senior Engeian soaring in her new role as assistant coach
Kaelyn Engeian isn’t one to let an untimely injury keep her down.
The Groton-dunstable volleyball tri-captain suffered the toughest of breaks six months ago, tearing her ACL. The postsurgery prognosis was grim for the all-star in terms of recovery time. Engeian will most likely miss the majority, if not all, of her senior season.
The devastating news was heartbreaking for the senior outside hitter and Groton-dunstable’s
reigning Most Valuable Player. But instead of sitting idle on the sidelines, the star has returned to the bench in an exciting new capacity, assistant coach.
Riding shotgun with head coach Heather Barlow, Engeian is enjoying the game from a new perspective.
“I think we’re looking good,” said Engeian, 17, fresh off a 3-1 non-league win over North Andover on Monday. “We had good energy. If we keep that up, we should do pretty well.”
Although unable to compete, Engeian is determined to help her team take the next step.
“I’m just trying to make the team the best I can with what I can do,” she said. “I’m trying to contribute anyway I possibly can.”
A 5-foot-11 senior outside hitter, Engeian crushed it on the court the past two seasons. The three-year letterman came into her own last year, playing all six positions. She led the team with 72 aces and 221 kills, while helping Groton-dunstable clinch a share of the Mid-wach B league crown. Her heroics also earned her a spot as a Mid-mach B first team all-star.
A year-round player, she continued to hold court with her club team, competing in the Boston Tournament in late March, when fate interceded.
“I was going up for a hit, landed on my left leg, and it just completely gave out on me,” said Engeian. “I completely tore my ACL. When I got the news about the recovery time, I was obviously sad. I had big plans since it was my senior year.”
Coach Barlow visited her ailing all-star at her home. Consoling her over some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, the coach extended
her MVP an invitation to help the team in a new role.
“She offered me a position as an assistant coach,” said Engeian. “She thought I had really good qualities for it.”
Engeian displayed her expertise over the years, scouting top-caliber clubs like Dennis-yarmouth. As a summer captain, she organized workouts every week for the high school girls and incoming middle schoolers. In addition, she helped Barlow coach Boston Youth Volleyball at the Mill Works, giving her plenty of experience to build off.
“She’s committed to being the best captain/assistant coach I’ve ever worked with,” said Barlow. “She’s constantly contributing to the team, from bringing drills she finds on the internet to practice, to the constant flow of energy from the bench. She runs portions of practice for me, and is still the best server in practice, even though she can no longer jump. She’s truly making the most amazing lemonade out of a tough situation.”
Even from the bench, Engeian carries plenty of passion for the game. She is quick to share her unique insight with her head coach as the game unfolds.
“She’s running commentary during games,” said Barlow. “It kills her that rules-wise she’s not allowed to stand up next to me. The ref has actually yelled at her once, saying only one of us get to do that. Now she’s on the edge of her seat, cheering on her teammates. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
A lifelong Dunstable resident, Engeian played middle school basketball before getting lured onto the volleyball court her freshman year. She joined the varsity her sophomore season and has been a staple with the program since.
Going from player to coach evolved organically. According to Barlow, Engeian originally entered the job somewhat torn. She wanted the team to do well, but at the same time didn’t want to be totally forgotten for her work on the court. It wasn’t until a recent game against Westford Academy, however, that she realized her presence was still felt.
“She did a lot of scouting and came up with the game plan the day before,” said Barlow. “We were serving bullets at practice, getting them prepared. Our girls played so much better because of it. That’s when she realized even though she wasn’t on that court, she still contributed to the win. They did better because of what she was able to do.”
Having an established all-star by her side has given the team an added boost.
“Her maturity makes us so much better,” said Barlow. “By being there and having the attitude that she has, it’s just been phenomenal.”
One of the biggest thrills for Engeian has been watching the next wave of Groton-dunstable players take the next step in their court progression. Sophomore outside hitter Bridget Houle has filled in during her absence.
“Bridget’s improving and doing really well with serving,” said Engeian. “She gets a lot of aces. Everyone is stepping up.”
And with tri-captains
Svea Sullivan and Mira Mahmoud by her side, Engeian is excited about where this new opportunity will take them.
“These are still my teammates,” she said. “I care about them and want them to succeed. I’ll do anything I can to help them, even if it’s not on the court.”