ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Joseph Rocco Del Rossi

Dr. Phillips junior and boys volleyball setter Joseph Rocco Del Rossi is on his second year running a 5-1 offense. This year, Del Rossi accounts for 356 assists, 45 kills and a .631 hitting percentage. Dr. Phillips head volleyball coach Maureen Del Rossi said of Rocco: “It can sometimes be hard for a parent to coach their child, but Rocco makes it easy. He is dedicated to the sport and to improving, is a hard worker and a true team player, who is always interested in lifting up his teammates and highlighting the positive in everyone.” 

Tell us about your years as a volleyball player.
I’ve been playing volleyball since I was in the seventh grade, I think. We used to live in Virginia, and I started doing my little clinics here and there, and when we moved to Orlando, I got involved with club volleyball.

What do you love most about volleyball as a sport?
I really like the infinite possibilities of what can happen on the court. There is so much going on that you have to pay attention to There is so much happening; it’s a really complex sport. 

What do you think makes you a unique player on the volleyball court?
I think that I’m a really good teammate, and I’m not very selfish, which, I mean, not that there are a lot of volleyball players (who) are selfish or anything like that. But I feel like I bring a lot of positive energy to the team, and I feel like I get along with a lot of my teammates. 

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?
(With) my positive attitude. If things are going bad for us or if things aren’t going our way, I try to bring everyone in a huddle and tell them that we can do it. … Bring everyone together so that we have one goal and a winning mentality. 

Do you have a favorite professional volleyball player?
Probably Erik Shoji — he’s the libero for the U.S. men’s national team. Playing libero at that level, and even at the high school level, can be very difficult, and he makes it look like it’s the easiest thing in the world. 

What do you love most about being a part of your team?
I feel we have a really talented group of kids (who) are willing to put in the effort and work. 

What would you like to study in college?
I want to major in linguistics.

What’s your favorite hobby?
Probably playing my clarinet.

What do you like to do on the weekends?
Hang out with my friends and my girlfriend. I used to play video games a lot, but my computer broke, so I’ve just been hanging out with friends. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I wouldn’t want to be exposed to elements so probably a really nice air-conditioned tent, my brother — someone to keep me company, and me and my brother get along pretty well — and also maybe a volleyball net. 

What’s your favorite movie?
Probably “Ocean’s Eleven.” It was the first real grown-up movie I saw, and I was just so amazed with the twist at the end. 

What’s your favorite type of music?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Spanish music (such as) reggaeton. I really like jazz and classical music and punk rock.

Who is your favorite superhero?
Batman. I went over to my friend’s house one day when I was 3 (years old), and I came back putting my bib on backwards, and I was saying I was Batman. I can’t tell you why he is my favorite, but for the longest time, my favorite superhero has been Batman. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably to fly. I could go wherever I wanted, wouldn’t need to worry about getting in an accident on I-4. I could just fly over, not get stuck in traffic or worry about paying for gas. 

What are three places you would like to visit? Why?
I would love to visit Italy. I love Italian food, my ancestors are from Italy, and I really like the culture and the language. Probably Japan or an Asian country, because it’s so different. … And maybe a Spanish-speaking one, because I listen to reggaeton, and I’m trying to learn Spanish, so maybe Mexico. 

What color would you say represents your personality?
I feel like I have a very funny and charming personality so … maybe blue.