Christina Romero attends Rio Rico High School and is a member of the AIA's Student SID Program. 

 

After an impressive high school career that helped earn Rio Rico's first region championship in girls volleyball, Ayleen Arana has committed to play at Ottawa University. 

"It's pretty exciting," says Arana, "After being able to experience high school volleyball and having made so many friends and learning more about myself, I'm really looking forward to taking on the next challenge." 

Arana's journey with volleyball began in middle school. After playing one season, she joined a club and became serious about playing in high school. Her hard work paid off, as she achieved the outstanding feat of joining varsity her freshman year. The rest is history!

After playing club for two years, she describes her junior year as the year she was able to take a "big jump" after working on herself both physically and mentally. Not only did she work to maintain her skills as a high school competitor, but she also sharpened her skills with the help of a personal trainer, allowing her to prepare herself for what would be her best season yet as a senior.

Led by Head Coach Alexis Bermudez, the girls volleyball team brought home their first 4A Gila Region Championship. This accomplishment represents the determination and commitment of the team as a whole. 

"It's been great to represent not only the school and community but also the sport in general," says Arana, "It's cool to see how much it's grown along the way." 

                                                               Photo by German Arana 

 

As she prepares for the next chapter of her athletic career, she dedicates her success to those who have helped her along the way. 

"My dad has always been the one taking me to practices, cheering me up when I'm sad, and just being there for me the whole journey," says Arana, "My coach was also the one who helped me see that I can do whatever I want and that I'm capable of so much." 

Following her success as a Hawk, Arana will always have the support of Rio Rico behind her. As any small town athlete knows, the relationships formed and lessons learned within the sport and community separate you from the rest. 

"I've learned to work hard and not stay inside a bubble. I want to form those relationships like I did in high school because they are crucial to working together on the court," says Arana, "and I will always make sure to remember where I came from."