Olivia Wells is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley for AZPreps365.com. 

The Paradise Valley varsity girls volleyball team is undefeated, and the 3-0 Trojans are hungry for more wins.

In the 5A Division, Paradise Valley has finished consistently toward the top. Last year, the Trojans ranked 24th. They want to do better this season.

Despite having open gyms cancelled because of COVID-19, Paradise Valley has bounced back pretty well.

“We couldn’t practice fully, so it was a lot of conditioning and independent practice, but we worked around that and we were able to move forward,” coach Jessica Spencer said. “Once we were able to hit phase three and full volleyball started, I’m super excited that we get to play and I know the girls are super excited we get to play.”

Many things have changed since last season. For health reasons, the team can have only two guests per athlete to watch games. In addition, athletes must wear masks except when they are on the court. Equipment also must be sanitized frequently.

One thing that has not changed: Paradise Valley's desire to win.

“There’s a lot of things we have to think about this year, but I think that we will go forward and have a great season,” athletic director Brock Heykoop said.

With the season underway, the team and school will do everything necessary to keep it going.

The varsity this season consists of five seniors, four juniors, and one sophomore. Spencer has nothing but praise for all of them.

“I have a pretty solid team this year,” Spencer said. “They are really good girls, they all get good grades and are very responsible. And on the court they’re amazing and get along really well.”

That's how successful teams operate.

“I’ve told them from the beginning, we don’t have time for drama or not communicating,” Spencer said. “Because if we’re going to go to state -- and we are going to go to state -- then we have to get together and work well. When we’re in the gym, we’re a team.”

The dynamic of Paradise Valley can be described in one word: determined. The Trojans are determined to conquer every challenge. Spencer said schools like Horizon and Desert Mountain are "ones I’m looking out for,” but she doesn't doubt her team's ability.