Six-time Captain Mantegani’s Perspective a Big Plus in Athletics, Academics

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

Zach Mantegani will soon be wrapping up his athletic career at Bellingham High, then look forward to playing volleyball and soccer at Lasell University where he’ll bring the same positive attributes that he’s relied on as a three-sport athlete for the Blackhawks.

Mantegani’s achievements at BHS in athletics are impressive. His accomplishments on the academic front are also impressive — he was a National Honor Society selection as a junior and has a current GPA of 3.99.

What makes the 18-year-old native of Bellingham tick as a student-athlete are his team-first approach, his leadership, and a desire to keep learning and improving his skills. 

The 5-foot-8, 145-pound Mantegani has played three years of soccer and four years of  wrestling and volleyball. He’s been a six-time captain (once in soccer, twice in wrestling and three times in volleyball), and, he’s been a three-time all-star in volleyball — once in the Tri Valley League, once by the Milford News and he was chosen twice to the Mass. Volleyball Coaches Association All-District Team.

Statistics don’t always tell the story, but Mantegani’s junior year numbers reflect his willingness to compete intensely. He had 126 kills, 43 aces and 255 digs. His hitting percentage was .191 (.200 is considered top-notch) and his serve percentage was 89.4.

So far this season, BHS has a 3-2 record and Mantegani’s stats include 58 kills, 14 aces and 52 digs.

Listening to Mantegani discuss his goals for his final season and hearing why being a captain is important reveal what makes him a relentless competitor.

“My goals for volleyball are for our team to improve over last year’s 16-4 record,’’ he said. “I also want to see us compete for the TVL championship and not only qualify for the state tourney, but also to win a match, go deep, and get to the final round.’’

For the last two seasons, the boys’ squad has been in the playoffs, but it lost, 3-0, to Holyoke in 2022 and lost again by a 3-0 margin in 2023 to Ludlow.’’

Mantegani relishes leadership, and he’s answered the bell to be a captain six times.

“I enjoy leading by example, especially in volleyball,’’ he said. “I like explaining how to handle a specific situation. I try to be communicative and vocal and I also strive to be supportive. I like helping younger kids with their footwork in volleyball.’’

Mantegani was a defender in soccer and wrestled at 144 pounds in his final year on the mat. Volleyball, however, is his favorite sport, and he’s versatile, able to play right-side hitter and also setter. Competing for his father isn’t a picnic like some might think, and it can be challenging when outside forces offer opinions.

“I never make it easy on Zach,’’ said Steve Mantegani, who’s in his sixth year as the boys’ coach and guided the girls’ team to the state final last year. “Zach has a variety of strengths that are important. He’s got an incredible work ethic, and he’s all about improving his skills. He’s a consistent server and a smart hitter who can jump and block. He’s got a high volleyball IQ, is athletic, has good technique and relies on speed and quickness.’’

Zach Mantegani does well blocking out noise, and he knows how to filter distractions.

“My teammates know I’m a team-first player,’’ Mantegani said, “and that’s been an objective of mine in all three sports. I compete to improve and to help our team. The main thing is we’re here to play volleyball.’’

A big fan of volleyball because “it’s fast-paced,’’ Mantegani also likes it because he says it requires different skills for different positions. “The keys for success are athleticism because it’s fast-paced,’’ he emphasized. “Good reflexes because the ball moves fast, and discipline because that’s what makes a player better.’’

Mantegani’s top thrill in volleyball came in the Mass. Volleyball Coaches Association round-robin tourney as a sophomore. “I was the shortest hitter but I got a kill against an all-star who had committed to play for UCLA,’’ Mantegani said. “He was taller, could jump higher and he had long arms but I outmaneuvered him by positioning the hit out of his reach.’’

Teammates know that Mantegani is a captain who competes intensely, and he’s quick to recognize a strong competitor. Two contributors he admires are sophomores Thomas Crandall (outside hitter) and Aiden Gibbs (setter).

“Thomas is a phenomenal passer and a great server who has a high volleyball IQ,’’ Mantegani noted. “Aiden is the quarterback of our team. He’s got good hands, and he’s a very consistent server.’’

After graduation, Mantegani will attend Lasell University in Newton, where he plans on majoring in sports management. He’s planning on playing soccer and volleyball. “My career goal is to someday be a general manager of a pro sports team,’’ he offered.

Mantegani’s competitive philosophy defines him. “When I compete, I strive to surpass my limits and reach my full potential,’’ he said. “Winning is always a priority. And, I’ve learned valuable life lessons in sports. Some are how to be a good leader, to show compassion, to overcome adversity and be resilient.’’

Mantegani’s versatile career is approaching the finish line at BHS, and his thoughts on that are bittersweet.

“I’ve learned a lot about culture in sports, and academics have taught me how to be well-rounded in various subjects and how to manage time,’’ he said. “College is right around the corner and that’s exciting. But, I’m going to miss the relationships I’ve made.’’

His advice to incoming freshmen? “I’d tell them that making mistakes is part of improving and you should never stop learning,’’ he said.