Michael Kain is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Arcadia High School for AZPreps365.com

Growing up in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, Lane Sheedy found herself surrounded by strong role models and a supportive family. With three sisters, Ryan, Annie, and Lily, Lane’s upbringing was filled with friendly competition and encouragement. Her mother, Jenny, a real estate agent, and her father, Tim, an architect, have always been understanding of Lane and continue to be supportive in her journey.

Sports have always been a part of Lane’s life. She played soccer as a child but found her true passion for volleyball in sixth grade, inspired by her older sister and cousins, Lane picked up the sport which eventually became the thing she used for personal growth and perseverance.

Lane’s path wasn’t always smooth. Lane faced significant challenges during her freshman year of high school, including her mental health, academics, and volleyball.

It was during this time when Lane found a mentor in Jacquelyn Bunker, who is both a math teacher and the head coach of Arcadia’s volleyball program.

Bunker was with Arcadia for seven years from Fall 2016 to Spring 2023. She coached the indoor volleyball team for all seven years before Adrian Chang took over this year and coached the beach volleyball program for six years.

“(Bunker) helped me through a lot of things, especially my schoolwork, and my mental health,” Lane said. “She’s a big part of my life.”

Bunker guidance became a huge part of Lane’s growth through those tough times, helping her to build confidence and self-assurance. She reflected on Lane’s journey proudly.  

“Ultimately, it was Lane who did the work. She improved her study skills and navigated those hard times. I may have been there for support, but Lane deserves all the credit for the growth and accomplishments she has achieved,” Bunker said.

By her sophomore year, Lane had not only strengthened her mental and academic skills but also found a new passion: beach volleyball. She finds the game more dynamic than indoor volleyball because of the sand, and it complements her all-around skill set.

Her hard work and dedication paid off, as she received three offers to play college beach volleyball and committed to play at the Division I level for Cal State Bakersfield in the spring of her junior year.

Lane vividly remembers the excitement and nerves that came with receiving that offer.

“It was a very special moment,” she says.

Bunker recalls the day Lane shared the news with her, describing it as “a moment that brought her entire journey full circle.”

Now a senior and captain of Arcadia's indoor volleyball team, Lane has become a role model to her teammates. She understands the importance of staying calm and consistent, as many of her teammates look up to her as a leader. While she pours into others, she continues to prioritize her own growth.

Her leadership and maturity are not only recognized by her coaches but also by her peers. Zoe Leonard, a former teammate who now plays Division I volleyball at the University of New Mexico, praises Lane’s growth.

“Lane is very hardworking and a smart volleyball player. She’s very calm with her game, and it’s awesome to see her fill the leadership role at Arcadia,” Leonard said.

Lane’s volleyball skills earned her a spot on the 4A Desert Sky Region’s Second Team last year. This year she’s aiming to finish her senior season with a spot on the All-Region First Team. Her goals for the future are still undecided for her career path, but she has an interest in architecture, inspired by her dad.

Off the court, Lane is known for her personality and interests. She likes snakes, wears the number six to represent her June birthday, and pumps herself up before games with her go-to pre-game song, “Knife Talk” by Drake. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family and gives back to the community by helping younger athletes at youth volleyball camps.  

From a challenging freshman year to becoming a Division I commit and team captain, Lane’s story is one of overcoming adversity and staying true to herself, a message she hopes will inspire others.