Valley Christian’s success on the Volleyball court this season may have as much to do with time spent away from it as time spent on it.

Coming off a semifinal appearance in last season’s 3A state playoffs, the Trojans 2023 outlook included plenty of optimism.

But even head coach Tyler Trathen is pleasantly surprised at what’s transpired.

Valley Christian made it to Fall break with a 24-8 record, with no losses against fellow 3A competition.

As the season heads into the stretch run, the Trojans could very well have a target on their backs come playoff time.

The players are welcome to it.

Closeness Equals  Chemistry

Unlike their coach, members of this Valley Christian squad aren’t so surprised with its success this season. They point to an unwavering team chemistry on and off the court.

“I’m really not surprised how well we’ve played because teamwork is so important in volleyball,” junior outside hitter Kelsey Brooks said.

Brooks leads the team in kills with nearly 10 per match, and is one of three team captains, along with Avery Schmidt and Madi Brown-McAlpine. Their leadership has helped the entire team form a healthy reliance on one another.  

“This season we’ve really formed a bond in everyday life, and I think it’s paid off on the court, Brooks said. 

“I think truly getting to know your teammates can only help with how you play together.”

The strong team bond described by Brooks includes daily social connections at school, eating lunch together, basically doing what teenagers do.

Youth Movement

Another unique aspect of the current Valley Christian roster: Avery Schmidt is the lone senior.

The youthful nature of this team is perhaps the reason coach Trathen kept a cautious outlook before the season began.

“The biggest surprise for me  has been the contribution of our freshmen,” Trathen said  of Sadie Wahlin, Ansley Venkatesh and Sydney Simon.

“We knew they had potential going in, but they’ve exceeded my expectations and it’s made a huge difference this season.”

Early in the season, Valley Christian had a chance to square off against defending 3A champion Snowflake.

Wahlin and Simon combined for 10 kills as the Trojans won in three sets. Wahlin also used her 6-1 frame to lead the team in blocks.

Valley Christian's Sadie Wahlin (13) attempts a shot as Madi Brown-McAlpine (16) looks on. Photo by Ashley Trathen.

Schmidt is also proud of how close this Valley Christian team has become.

“This team is definitely something special,” Schmidt says. 

“I have never been on a team like this. I think it’s important to be connected on and off the court. We have an amazing bond with each other even with the age gaps.”

The Trojan roster is composed of six juniors, two sophomores and three freshmen.

“It doesn’t stop us from being one team,” Schmidt added.

“The bond we have created allows us to trust each other.”

Comeback Kids

Schmidt also pointed to another early season match that demonstrates the team’s resiliency and team chemistry.

“We were playing Northwest Christian on their home court and started off by losing the first two sets, but we finished the match with a reverse sweep, winning 3-2,” Schmidt explained.

The box score also told a story about Valley Christian’s team concept, as four players finished in double figures for kills. Brooks and fellow juniors Taylor Miser and Madi Yue all had 14, and the freshman Wahlin added 10.   

“That match really showed us what we are capable of,” Schmidt added.

Schmidt wasn’t kidding. That same weekend after the Northwest Christian comeback, the Trojans swept through the Epic Tourney’s Invitational, going 7-0 to win the tournament. This included victories over larger schools such as Chandler High, Williams Field, and Desert Mountain. 

Valley Christian did not lose a single set over the entire tournament.

“I’m really proud of this group so far,” Trathen added.

“Hopefully we can keep it going through region play and be ready for the state playoffs.”