Mandeville senior volleyball player Elizabeth Rinaudo, a three-year starter, helped lead her Lady Skippers to a 28-11 record into the regional round of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state playoffs at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. MHS fell to Chalmette to close out the Lady Skippers’ season.

Rinaudo said she loves attending Mandeville High.

“It’s an honor to represent Mandeville High School. It’s a great school, and I’m really proud to play on their team,” Rinaudo said.

Elizabeth Rinaudo

MHS Lady Skippers’ second-year coach Christy Sanantonio described Rinaudo as a quiet but effective team leader who always had a strong presence on the court.

“All of Liz’s teammates look up to her. She is known for being a consistent, steadying force for them in her actions. She always provided outstanding leadership along with positive encouragement,” Sanantonio said.

The coach said Rinaudo was an exceptional role model for the younger players.

“There will be a huge void on the team with her upcoming graduation. I could always rely on Liz to bring consistent play. I admire her ability to raise her level of play following mistakes by herself or her teammates. She never gets down on herself and was always positive in her approach to the game,” Sanantonio added.

Rinaudo, a diverse player, was used primarily as a setter, but also was adept as a kill person and played excellent defense for the Lady Skippers.

Rinaudo helped lead MHS to a second-place district finish this year, recording a 12-2 record as the Lady Skippers finished two games behind Fontainebleau.

In district play, Rinaudo netted 132 assists, 96 digs, 71 kills, 30 aces and seven blocks.

What do you enjoy most about playing volleyball? Volleyball is something I have always loved to play. I have played since I was 10 or 12. Just the fact that I can play with my friends makes it so much better. It is a great team sport.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? It helps me keep my priorities straight. I have high standards that I am always pushing toward. Rinaudo carries a 4.0 grade point average.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? I have so many underclassmen at Mandeville High that look up to me. I always try to be positive when I am around them. I want to be a positive role model for them.

Most memorable game in volleyball? Probably when we went to the finals against Mt. Carmel when I was a sophomore. We lost the championship game, but it was a tremendous match.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? I really think it’s been all of my teammates on my club teams (Volleyball Institute of America national teams). Without them, I don’t think I would be this far into my volleyball career. They have all been a great influence on me.

Who is your favorite athlete? Olympic gold medalists Misty May-Trainer and Kerri Walsh. It is every volleyball player’s dream to be like them.

What is your favorite subject in school? English.

Plans after high school/college major? I’m leaning toward attending Southern Mississippi and playing volleyball. I’m thinking about doing something as an athletic trainer or getting involved with sports medicine.

Favorite TV show/actor? “House” and Will Smith.

Favorite type of music? I like all types of music. You can put anything on, and I’ll be completely fine with it.

Favorite food dish? Gumbo or spaghetti.

Best vacation? My junior year, we took a family trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? It is a family-oriented community. It is just a good, clean place to live.

Hobbies/interests: Any time I’m not playing volleyball, which is most of the time, I love spending time with my friends. I like to go to movies with friends. I also enjoy spending time with my family any time I can.

Parents: Sal and Debbie Rinaudo of Mandeville.