Adam Noel
Special to AZPreps365.com

Haley Westhoff: Arcadia’s senior leader

October 2, 2018 by Adam Noel, Arizona State University


Westhoff (right) readies on defense during a scrimmage. (Photo by Adam Noel/AZPreps365)

Arcadia coach Jackie Bunker says Haley Westhoff is never satisfied with her play.

She knows there’s always room to improve. That’s what make the senior captain a leader.

“She has all the qualities. She’s always cheering people on, taking responsibility for everyone, making sure everyone is on top of things,” senior Helen Hart said. “Her position screams leader.”

Hart has known Westhoff since middle school and has seen her steady improvement season after season.

This season the Titans are 7-3 and sit at third in the 4A Desert Sky division behind Seton Catholic Prep and Marcos de Niza. Overall the team is ranked ninth in 4A.

After being swept by Marcos de Niza last Tuesday, Westhoff and her team didn’t get down on themselves. They focused on using the loss as motivation.

The team bounced back two nights later with the victory over rival Saguaro.

Westhoff recorded a double-double in the Titans victory. She led the team with 11 kills and 16 digs in the dominant win over the Sabercats.

With seven games left this season before the state tournament, the Titans are looking to improve their seeding before the season finale Oct. 23.

Westhoff’s consistency will be key moving forward.

This season Westhoff has a hitting percentage of .212. The outside hitter has 122 kills, 26 aces and 226 digs.

“Haley has a very strong work ethic. She is never satisfied with her play, if it’s not at a certain standard,” said Bunker.

“She’s always asking to see her stats and where she can be better. Even when we win she always tries to look at it objectively and meet her goals.”

Westhoff has played in every set this season and focuses on improving every game. She uses her strong volleyball IQ to gain the edge over her competitors.

“I’m good at keeping a serving run, but I would say my strength is my eye work in the back row,” said Westhoff. “I’m good at recognizing where the ball is going to go.”

The main goal for Westhoff: bringing home a state title for Arcadia.

Westhoff and the Titans take on Seton Catholic Prep at home Tuesday at 6 p.m.