Zev Black is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunrise Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com

As volleyballs flew over the net, players yelled in friendly competition, and shoes squeaked across the shiny Sunrise Mountain High School gym floor, a cool, calm, and collected freshman had all of the confidence in the world for her team. 

“I think we can go to state and win,” said first year Lily Rolfes. “We got this.”

That statement reflects the team’s high expectations for the 2022 season. The Mustangs have made the state tournament each year since the 2014-15 season.

Much of Rofles’ confidence stems from senior captains Shelby Gorospe and Taryn Davis, who have both been key in mentoring their younger teammates.

“I lead a lot by my actions on the court,” said Gorospe, who is committed to play volleyball at the University of Pacific. “I’m very successful when it comes to point production so the girls can always look to that. It’s something for them to strive for as they get older.”

She also knows that the accomplishment of winning comes hand-in-hand with the hardships of losing. 

“At the end of the day, it’s just a game,” Gorospe said. “You’re going to have bad games and you’re going to have really good days. You’re going to have to take that for what it is.”

Davis, who is going to play volleyball for Air Force after high school, shows more leadership off the court.

“I’ve been a voice that my teammates can go to on and off the court,” she said.

This has changed drastically since her time on JV. 

“As a freshman, you’re automatically super quiet and kinda shy,” Davis said. “I think I’ve grown a lot in my character and finding my voice on the court and understanding my role.”

Four-year coach Brandi Jans has seen this leadership blooming since both seniors’ freshman year.

“They’ve really stepped up and realized that the only thing to take this team to the next level is their leadership and how they practice,” Jans said. “Watching them grow over the years, knowing what they needed to do when they got to their senior year, I feel like they’ve made that adjustment. They realize their biggest goal is to make it to that state championship and if they do that, they know they have to step up.”

Jans not only sees and appreciates this leadership, but so does the rest of the team. Rolfes, who is the only freshman on varsity, said the support system put in place by the older players on the team has made her feel extremely comfortable.

“They’re always the first people to ask ‘Do you need a partner?’ or ‘Do you want to sit with me on the bus?’” Rofles said. “It’s really nice as a freshman because I didn’t know anyone.”

Along with the rest of her teammates, Rofles said she is looking ahead towards yet another successful season for the Mustangs, who currently sit at 6-2 and in first place in the 5a Northwest conference. They are hopeful to ride a four-game winning streak this week as they go on the road to take on Kellis High School (2-5).