Jackson McHaney is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian for AZPreps365.com 

The Valley Christian volleyball team may lack experience but not leadership.

Abigail Calicchio, Megan Davies and Breanna Brooks exemplify '‘few but mighty.'' They are the only seniors on a Trojans team that swept Pusch Ridge Saturday to move to 9-3.

In their freshman class, the three captains were among a group of 17 girls. Three years later on the Valley Christian roster, 14 are nowhere to be found. 

“I think it just shows our commitment,” said Davies. "All of us just love playing together, we all formed a bond and we work super well together.”

The three captains have also played together outside of school, a contributing factor to their successful leadership at Valley Christian. 

“As captains as well as seniors, our job is to incorporate everyone into our lineup and our family here at Valley,'' said Davies.

Job done.

 “Last year I came in with one other freshman when they were juniors, they were so welcoming to us and amazing leaders” said sophomore hitter Cara Braun. “Megan, Abigail, and Breanna are all like older sisters to me. No matter how practice goes I know they’re going to be good leaders on the court.” 

Coach Lindy Ramsland said they are all different.

“Abigail (Calicchio) is kind of the glue, she does her job, and consistent is the word I’d use for her. Breanna (Brooks) isn’t the loudest person off the court, but on the court she is just crazy. It brings a lot of energy to the team. Megan (Davies) brings lots of competitive energy to the table as well which can fire us up.” 

Calicchio, Davies and Brooks have figured out the formula to leading by example for their underclassmen. 

“They’re very different from each other, but they really complement each other,” said Ramsland. “They’re very accepting to the younger girls, we have had a freshman on our team the past two years and they bring them in and encourage them, and not a lot of seniors do that.” 

The Trojans expect to make a deep run in the playoffs this year with their three captains leading the way. “If they play at a high competitive level like I know they can, we should beat any team in our division, and when they realize that, I think we have a good shot at winning state,” said Ramsland.