Caleb Gottry attends Chandler Preparatory Academy and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

There are six seniors graduating from Chandler Prep volleyball this year. These six seniors will lead the team into their fourth straight play-off appearance. These six seniors have helped accumulate 101 wins and counting in four seasons. The leadership and drive of these seniors have broken game, season, career, team, and region records. The Titans are volleyball champions and this is due in a large part to these six seniors. Head Coach Jones said this about losing them:

“It’s always tough every year to lose a set of seniors. I taught a lot of these kids back in eighth grade and so it’s even tougher when you teach them and then you coach them. They are honestly one of the best sets of kids I’ve ever had, so I’m going to miss them next year and we’ll see if we can’t rebuild with them gone too.”

Not only is this group of seniors skilled on the court, they are part of a caring and loving volleyball community at Chandler Prep, no matter whether the Titans are winning or losing. On October 21st, before the match against Rancho Solano, the JV and Varsity team celebrated the Titan seniors. Read were their comments on their favorite memories, any advice they would want to give to their teammates, and a message to their parents. The following are some of the responses to the questions that stood out. Titan Up.

 

Question: What is your favorite memory or moment from being a part of Chandler Prep volleyball?

Taylor Dedich: My favorite memory is when we went to Chili’s for lunch in Flagstaff. We all ordered Shirley Temples and we all thought one of the Chili’s workers looked like [drama teacher] Mr. Blanco.

Alyssa Smith: When we were in Sedona for team bonding, we were solving a murder case. We spent so long trying to solve it and we finally decided to take our guesses. Emily and I got it right and we were so excited. Then we turned Gelding into our mascot.

 

Question: What do you want to say to your team?

Emily Curran: You’re all amazing. It has truly been an honor to play with you all for my last season. I love you guys so much. Remember that it’s not how high you jump or how hard you swing that matters. Keep working hard and always keep that energy up. I’m going to miss you all so much.

Alyson Mingus: I love you guys and even though some that I’m talking about have graduated, it doesn’t change anything. You guys have been some of the most stable friends in my life since sixth grade. I love our memories and all your guys’ different personalities. Sometimes love for sports can be ruined by teammates and coaches but this team AND COACH truly made it an even better experience. I’m going to miss everyone, even Jones.

 

Question: What do you want to say to your parents?

Samantha Brown: Not to sound cliché or anything, but thanks for all the time, energy, and—let’s face it—money you put towards me. I would not have become who I am today without your help! Thanks, and I love you so much!

Mia Evers: Thank you both so much for driving me to every practice and game. Mom, thank you for volunteering to be my coach in fourth grade even though you had no clue how to play volleyball. Dad, thank you for always practicing in our front yard everyday with me when I was younger. I remember you being so confused why I would call the ball if there was only the two of us. Thank you both so much for being my biggest cheerleaders.