Gibbons’ Zamprogno: Broward Boys’ Volleyball Player of the Year

Cardinal Gibbons senior Thiago Zamprogno was born in Brazil and always considered one of the taller kids growing up.

So unlike many in his home country who play soccer, Zamprogno’s love of sport flourished through basketball.

“When you’re a big guy, usually people think you’re uncoordinated,” Zamprogno said. “Basketball helped me get faster and made me a quick thinker because there’s so much going on when you’re on the court, different plays you have to run.”

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But Zamprogno’s path changed when he moved to the United States and some friends convinced him to try out volleyball.

Zamprogno started playing in open gyms and quickly became one of the most dominant players in Broward County.

The rest for Zamprogno is history as he now stands 6 feet, 7 inches tall and is headed to play volleyball at UCLA – one of the top programs in the country.

This season, Zamprogno continued to dominate the scene and his efforts guided the Chiefs to the state final for only the third time in program history.

For this, Zamprogno is this year’s Miami Herald Boys’ Volleyball Player of the Year for Broward County.

Zamprogno recorded 241 kills, 57 digs, 23 aces and blocked 92 shots for Gibbons, which finished 26-4 before losing to Southwest Miami in the state championship match.

Zamprogno, who had played some beach volleyball recreationally in Brazil, joined Gibbons’ squad his sophomore season and took up volleyball full-time after the eighth grade, a choice he has not regretted.

“I loved it and I just put my all into volleyball and it’s turning out pretty great,” Zamprogno said.

“People at UCLA are very serious about the sport and feel like they’re there for a job and have to take it seriously, so I can’t wait to be part of that.”

Zamprogno’s experience during previous runs to state helped Gibbons gel early in the season after a bit of a slow start with new players on the roster.

Once things clicked the Chiefs outplayed the majority of their opponents and recorded two impressive wins at state in five sets over Winter Park and Lake Howell.

“Our team started a little off and a lot of us had never played with each other before. But we got along fast and I thought we gelled well on the court. That’s what I was most proud of this year.”