Amanda Lopez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Vista for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – Four years of friendships, challenges and victories led Desert Vista’s volleyball seniors to their final home game. As they prepared to face Corona del Sol on Senior Night, the players reflected on the relationships that shaped their high school years.

The Oct. 28 matchup gave the Thunder seniors one final opportunity to compete together on their home court before the playoffs. After navigating changes within the program, the players finished their high school careers with a stronger bond as they look ahead to college and life beyond volleyball.

“It’s kind of bittersweet because it has been a really long four years,” senior MaryElla Owens said. “Us girls who’ve gone through a lot together and a lot of big changes in the program.”

The seniors’ connection was evident during their final practice before Senior Night, when teammates exchanged handshakes, encouraged one another and shared hugs between drills.

For senior Sydney Singleton, those everyday moments became some of the most meaningful parts of her volleyball experience.

“We’re more of a family than just a team,” Singleton said.

Singleton, who started playing volleyball around five years old, said many of the seniors had known one another since they were young. She remembered playing club volleyball with teammates Emerson Ortiz and Kenzie Maldonado when she was around 12.

Their years together made the end of high school difficult to imagine. 

The seniors have also experienced challenges within the program. Owens said the previous season became difficult when the team environment was no longer positive, leaving players less excited about practices and games.

“It was getting to the point where we weren’t looking forward to coming to practices,” Owens said.

A coaching change gave the team an opportunity to move forward, with Kristoffer Maglunog. Owens said the difference helped make her final season more enjoyable and gave the players a chance to reconnect.

Senior Georgia Dana, who began playing volleyball in fourth grade through YMCA recreational volleyball, said the team had taught her the importance of supporting others.

“Being in the team environment, it’s kind of shown how much you can be uplifting to people and other people can be uplifting to you,” Dana said.

Assistant coach Grace Mueller saw that connection develop throughout the season.

Mueller said the seniors had faced challenges but have returned this season with confidence and a stronger connection.

“They have such a strong bond this season, they’ve come back, and they’ve been so confident and so themselves,” an emotional Mueller said as she reflected on their contributions to the program.

The seniors also created memories through competition. Dana highlighted the team’s first-place finish at this season’s  Epic Tournament of Champions and second-place finish at the Westwood Tournament of Champions. Owens specifically remembered beating Corona del Sol and completing a reverse sweep against Sunnyslope.

After graduation, the seniors have planned to take different paths. Owens earned a volleyball scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she plans to study architecture or art and design. Dana is planning to attend college in Colorado to study nursing, while Singleton is considering nursing or health sciences and hopes to continue playing beach volleyball.

Mueller also praised Maldonado, who had committed to playing at Seton Hall, describing her as a consistent player who motivated herself and her teammates.

“She motivates herself and she brings her teammates up with her,” Mueller said.

Although the seniors ended their final home match with a loss, their time at Desert Vista was defined by more than the scoreboard. The game marked the end of a chapter built on years of competition, friendship and growth. As they prepared to graduate, the seniors left Desert Vista with more than memories of the court; they left with relationships that have shaped their high school experience.