Anna Nicholls is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

CHANDLER – While Valley Christian’s flag football players compete on the field, one of the player’s mothers works behind the scenes on the sideline. 

Using her camera, Abby Clausen captures moments that preserve the team’s season long after the final whistle.

Though she doesn’t wear a jersey or share in the spotlight, Clausen, mother of quarterback Tessa Clausen and alumna Taya Clausen, is the team’s dedicated volunteer photographer. She stewards her skills to provide the team and families with access to photographs documenting the team’s season. 

Her photography experience, however, began long before volunteering at Valley Christian.

“I first started having interest because my dad had a vintage camera I thought was cool,” Clausen said.

She recalled that it was after her wedding that photography became a bigger part of her life.  

Following her wedding, Clausen discussed creative ideas and possible improvements with her wedding photographers. They recognized her interest in photography and encouraged her to submit a portfolio.  

Subsequently, she did and after they saw her work, they hired her on the spot.

She said she worked in the wedding photography business for several years before deciding to start her own photography business. Then when she started having a family she wanted photography to be a hobby, not a career. 

As committed to the camera as Clausen is, her role extends far beyond it.

“She's always just so kind,” Taya Clausen said. “She's always trying to brighten people's days, and I know she works from home, so making time for her family is a huge thing.”

Taya Clausen played softball for Valley Christian and her mother’s Valley Christian photography journey began with photographing those games. 

She later followed her youngest daughter, Tessa, through her athletic career, capturing photographs not only for herself but also for the other players’ families. 

She said photography was her way to volunteer and give back to the program and other parents.  

“I wish I would have had pictures when I was playing sports,” Abby Clausen said.

Abby Clausen said she creates a Google Drive where she uploads all the photos. She shares them with parents through the drive and encourages them to download any photos they want before she takes the drive down at the end of the season.

Taya Clausen said her mother’s maternal role extends to the team.

“She always looks out for everybody's best interest,” Taya Clausen said.

Junior varsity player Elie Tomaszewski called Abby Clausen one of the sweetest people she knows.  

“If you're ever having a bad day, she'll just cheer you up. If I need advice, I can ask her for it.”

Tomaszewski attributed Abby Clausen’s character to her faith. 

“Jesus uses her to grow each and every one of us,” Tomaszewski said. “She’s just No. 1 in her faith and how to just be a good person.”

Taya Clausen agreed her mother’s faith is strong.

“She's always just trying to better herself and better her friends and just speak the life of Jesus into people,” Taya Clausen said. “And I just love that.”