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NEWINGTON — This past week, a pair of Newington boys volleyball players were named All-State in Class M by the CHSCA (Connecticut High School Coaches Association.)
In their final seasons of their high school careers, outside hitter Nate Paralapiano and setter Tristan Gorman earned the respect of their peers by each earning being All-State for the 2025 season.
Parlapiano was named Second-Team All-State and earned the prestigious honor a second time in his high school career. For Gorman, it was his first selection, as he was named First-Team as both players earned All-Conference honors this past season too. Both Parlapiano and Gorman have been selected to play in the CHSCA Senior All-Star Match.
Parlapiano and Gorman helped lead Newington to an 18-6 overall record that included winning the CCC East, and advancing to the semifinals of the Class M state tournament.
“I’m very happy for Nate and Tristan to receive this honor,” said Newington boys volleyball coach Curt Burns. “Their talent and accomplishments have been recognized by votes from opposing boys volleyball coaches around the state. Both players have had a significant impact on the Newington High School boys volleyball program with their hard work, dedication and leadership.”
Parlapiano, a three-year player that joined his sophomore year, had 405 kills this season, which is the third highest total on record and had an outstanding attack efficiency of .345 for an outside hitter.
“It was an honor to be recognized as an All-Conference and an All-State player two years in a row,” Parlapiano said. “I have worked non-stop in my off season to increase my skills and to get where I am today. Thanks to my coaches and teammates that have pushed me to play better and do better for the teams I have played on.”
Now that he’s graduated, Parlapiano will attend trade school and become an electrician. In his spare time when he’s not in school or working, he plans on playing in men’s leagues for fun and playing some beach volleyball.
Gorman came 15 assists shy of the single season record (884) while exceeding over 1,000 for his career. He also set our offense to the 2nd highest attack efficiency on record (.311.)
“Being selected for All-Conference and All-State is really special because for three years I’ve seen my fellow teammates be selected, and it was something that had been a goal of mine since freshman year,” Gorman said. “It’s especially special at Newington because we have a wall in our gym for all the All-State athletes, so I’m excited to see my name up there.”
“Being selected is really just a testament of the time put in over the past three years that’s led to this moment. When other coaches see you play and look at your stats and vote for you, it means you really must have impressed them.”
Upon graduating, Gorman will be attending UConn-Storrs and will live on campus. He will major in finance and plans on trying out for the club volleyball team.
Now that both Parlapiano and Gorman have graduated and played their last high school volleyball season, the two will miss being part of the Newington volleyball family and spoke about what it meant playing for the program.
Parlapiano noted how he’ll miss playing with volleyball family and noted that he’s made many strong bonds through the sport.
“I started playing volleyball for Newington my sophomore year,” Parlapiano said. “Ever since I have joined this program, everyone has been a family. The dynamic of this team and this sport brings people together and makes a strong bond between everyone and that’s what I love about this sport. I am going to miss playing with my family and seeing everyone everyday. This sport brings people together and creates bonds that you won’t find anywhere else.”
Gorman reflected by saying joining the volleyball team was one of the best decisions he’s made enjoyed every minute of being part of the team during his tenure.
“Trying out for the team was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Gorman. “I play on the golf team at Newington and it is my main sport, but I enjoy playing volleyball way more. When I started, it was a new challenge for me, and I’m very proud of how I’ve grown as a player and as a person these past three to four years.”
“Obviously, Newington has been a pretty big name in volleyball over the past decade, so I knew that coach Burns knew how to develop players and put together a team that could contend for a state championship,” Gorman continued. “Although we didn’t meet expectations the last two seasons, we had a great run this year. I’ve enjoyed every minute of being with this group, and although I’m going to miss it, I’m excited to come back as an alumni.”
