Last year was a one-off for Estrella Foothills. 

This year, the program is back in form.

That was clear Monday afternoon after the 4A’s fourth ranked team swept fellow top-10 team Prescott 25-13, 25-16, 26-24. Some unexpected lineup changes forced coach Michael Matteson to put some players to the test earlier than expected in 2025. 

Consequently, Estrella Foothills struggled at times, recording its first sub-.500 season under Matteson, who launched the program in 2019. But on Monday, the Wolves achieved their fourth 20-win season. 

Despite the rebound, the Wolves are still hungry for more. With six matches left in their regular season schedule, the Wolves are geared up for a serious playoff push.  

The offense is powered by a pair of heavy hitters, senior Lawson Hardman and junior Vann Wente, who consistently punish the ball. The 6-4 Hardman is the man in the middle for Estrella Foothills. 

Adding to the flair of his game, Hardman, who was leading the state with a .521 hitting percentage, dons a black headband.  The 6-6 Wente is as versatile as they come for a power hitter. 

Lefties like Wente are usually placed on the right side of the court to take advantage of the left swing angles they can produce from that side. But on Monday, Wente was also producing from the left, back row and with his jump serve. 

Surprisingly, the junior only picked up volleyball as a freshman—and even then, he was reluctant to try it. Wente was a football and basketball player when he enrolled at Estrella Foothills, but his mom encouraged him to give volleyball a try, he said. 

The advice paid off for the current 4A leader in kills with 257.  

“I think I’ve been doing alright for myself,” said Wente, who averages 4.1 kills per game. 

Vann Wente (No. 16) gave volleyball a shot just two years ago and it paid off. (Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)Estrella Foothills also has a reliable third option to go to on the outside in captain Jayden Valencia. The 5-10 senior used everything in his tool box to collect key points throughout Monday’s match. 

Taking charge defensively is senior Emanuel Simental, the team’s leader in digs and receptions. With the weapons at the Wolves' disposal, it’s no wonder their setter leads the state in assists. 

Running Matteson’s offense is his son, Brogan, a freshman setter playing beyond his years. Brogan started playing volleyball when he was nine and last summer wound up winning a national title with his club team. 

He began to gain the respect of his high school teammates during Estrella Foothills’ inaugural beach season in the fall, Matteson said. 

“(Brogan) communicates a lot and stays positive on the court,” Wente said. “His setting abilities are pretty good.” 

Wente and his teammates are hoping to finish strong and make a run at their first state championship appearance. 

Their only losses to 4A teams this season came to the conference's current front runners, ALA-Queen Creek and ALA-Gilbert North. 

“I am just super proud of what they’ve been doing and the work they are putting in,” said Matteson about his team. “I’m hoping that we can keep melding and growing to make a push at state."