Brett Lapinski is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley for AZPreps365.com   

PHOENIX — Jadyn Armstrong is a senior at Paradise Valley High School who currently plays a predominant role on the school's girls varsity volleyball team.

Born right across the street from Paradise Valley High School, it seemed like fate that Armstrong would attend there 14 plus years later.

Having a pivotal role on the school's volleyball team would require a little more work. Yet, it would ultimately become the grandest part of Armstrong's life. 

Residing from a sports-loving family that never played a volleyball match in their life, Armstrong appeared to be in the same boat at first. She tried playing basketball and softball, but she never found interest in either. 

However, in second grade, a friend from her elementary school introduced Armstrong to volleyball. She "loved it right away," forming the beginning of her ongoing 11-year volleyball career. 

After playing recreationally for three years, Armstrong joined Alliance Volleyball Academy at 10 years old. Unbeknownst to Armstrong, she would meet future Trojan teammate Emma Parmley while playing for the academy. 

Armstrong continued to improve her game by eating, sleeping and breathing volleyball. She played all year-round, bouncing around club teams before reaching high school.

She attended Scottsdale Christian Academy her freshman year, instantly landing a spot on the varsity team. 

"I wasn't too surprised that I made varsity freshman year," Armstrong said. "I worked really hard to become the player I was and really wanted to be on the top team."  

Filled with multiple future Division I players, the Eagles dominated their way to a state championship. But Armstrong did not feel like her normal self on the court. 

"Surrounded by huge Division I players was really intimidating," she said. "I needed to make sure I was always at my best for them." 

The following school year, Armstrong transferred to Paradise Valley, where a pleasant surprise awaited her arrival. 

"I found out that Emma played on the team, and I was really excited to play with her again," Armstrong said. 

Armstrong had not only reunited with an old teammate and friend, but this time it was clear she would obtain a leading role for her team. 

"Jadyn was a starter from the beginning," head coach Jessica Spencer said. "She instantly showed that she was a strong leader and a baller."

Even with a decrease in surrounding talent from her time with the Eagles, Armstrong felt extremely at ease and excited to play. 

"I instantly clicked with the team and felt like part of a family," she said.

For the last three years, Armstrong earned the reputation of the Trojans' assist leader through her exquisite setting skills.  

"You can always count on her to get that set up for you and help keep the ball in play," Parmley said. 

This year alone, Armstrong leads the team with 264 assists while also developing a new part of her game. The playmaking-minded Armstrong established herself as the Trojans' top server, paving the way with a team-leading 64 aces. 

However, she does not praise herself for her ability. Instead, it is her continuous drive and will to win that presides over everything in the sport she loves. 

"My favorite aspect of volleyball is the competitive nature when it’s a close game, and you are about to win against your biggest rival," Armstrong said. "That is one of the best adrenaline rushes you will ever feel."

Armstrong's astute play and determination have presented her with numerous award nominations from her coaches. Her most prestigious awards include being selected for the All American Special Mention list and winning Athlete of the Year in her junior year. 

Armstrong's journey will last at least another four years, as she received a volleyball scholarship from Black Hills State University in South Dakota. She will attend the Division II school starting next fall with no one more excited than her biggest fan: Mom. 

"I'm super excited about BHSU," Victoria Ottinger said. "She has turned me into a volleyball fanatic. I love to watch her play, even at practice. Sometimes I'm the only parent there. I can't wait to watch her play in college, even if it's on the television."