Erik List is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley High School for AZPreps365.com

 

Paths in the world of sports twist and turn before something sticks with an athlete.

Some start at a super young age. Others get started a little later.

No path is ever the same.

Audrey Kennedy's began in elementary school.

“I started playing volleyball when I was 10,” she said. “I just kind of tried out at my elementary school. I got on the practice team, which wasn’t a competitive team. So, it was really just meet after school for an hour or two – I was brand-new, so I hadn’t played anything. I was completely fresh.”

She tried other sports, but volleyball has become her sport of choice.

“I did mess around in basketball a little bit," Kennedy said. "I played volleyball my fifth grade year, and I played basketball sixth and seventh grade, and I had fun with it, but volleyball really stuck with me."

Years later, Kennedy has become a very talented volleyball player who is finishing her high school career at Paradise Valley.

One of the senior captains, Kennedy leads her team in digs with 36, averaging 2.3 digs a set.

The transfer is second on her team in assists with 36 and third on her team with 40 receptions and nine serving aces.

She would consider volleyball her first sport.

I just love the sport so, so much. It’s my favorite thing in the whole wide world," Kennedy said. "I would spend all day in the gym if I could.”

Kennedy played soccer when she was younger because her dad had played in college, but it was not the sport for her.

She also dabbled in basketball, but volleyball was what stuck with her.

Progressing through her volleyball career, Kennedy continued to play volleyball while joining the club team, On the Line, for eighth grade and freshman year.

Kennedy attended Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center High Cchool before transferring to Paradise Valley after her sophomore year because the school had sports, mainly volleyball.

“I transferred here (Paradise Valley) last year. I got on varsity, starting libero,” she said.

Kennedy made an impact her first year on the team.

“She came in last year, (and) was a big back girl player for us, libero,” Paradise Valley assistant varsity coach Bri Haugen stated.

Throughout her two years at Paradise Valley, the team has always been her favorite part.

“I have met some of my best friends through volleyball," she said. "Just some of the most important people in my life. Some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met is through volleyball, and so the team aspect is really important to me.”

Teammate Abby Peterson loves Kennedy's spirit.

“Audrey’s great,” Peterson said. “She really uplifts the energy and really keeps the team together. When she’s here, everyone’s not only more positive, but we are determined to finish a dril. She’s just great to work with overall.

“Not only is she determined, but with being determined, she’s able to manage anything. She’s in a lot of clubs and sports throughout the campus; she’s very involved, so it’s just impressive to watch her grow as an individual and be able to maintain and still focus on volleyball.”

Haugen appreciated Kennedy's strong work ethic.

“With her, she does a really good job at moving around the court and seeing the court, probably sees the court the best on the team," Haugen said. "She vital wherever she is, she needs to be on the court for sure. She’s a leader; I think her presence alone, she had a dominance, and people follow for sure. We’re lucky to have her.”