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

Paradise Valley junior and varsity volleyball setter Jadyn Armstrong has played volleyball since she was 6-years old. She doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Armstrong always had been interested in volleyball. She recalls watching Team USA volleyball when she was little, and wanting to play on that team. “I always wanted to be on that court with that coach and be that 6-foot-3 middle that blocks every single ball," she said.  "It was always a dream of mine to travel for it [volleyball] and go to college for it.”

Jadyn Armstrong (right) and former teammates with Team USA beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings, one of Armstrong's favorite players. (Photo Courtesy: Jadyn Armstrong)

Armstrong first started playing with YMCA volleyball coach Mindy Hollander, who coached a youth team. Hollander’s daughter and Armstrong were friends, so Hollander spent time coaching Armstrong as well.

Even at that young age, Hollander could tell Armstrong was special. “She wasn’t like the other kids,'' she said.  "She was a very hard worker on the court, and she seemed to understand the game even at that age. She was very competitive, driven, and determined.”

Hollander could tell that Armstrong was talented, and noticed she had the hands to become a setter.

“She was good with the ball in ways that other kids weren’t,” Hollander said.

Setting is not easy, and the strategy needed for it often is absent in those first starting to play volleyball. But for Armstrong, it was natural.

At Paradise Valley, Armstrong has continued to improve. Though she just transferred to the school last year, Armstrong has a strong connection with the team. Compared to her previous school, Armstrong says Paradise Valley has been better for her mentally.

“I think this is definitely where I’m meant to be," she said. "I’ve met some great people and I think this [team] is really helping me grow as a person.”

Her dreams are becoming a reality. And while she may not be the 6-foot-3 middle she dreamed of, she is a phenomenal setter that teammates know they can rely on. Emma Parmley knows this better than most, having chemistry with Armstrong on the court since they were 10-years old.

Jadyn Armstrong (right) and Emma Parmley (middle) when they played for Alliance Volleyball Academy at age 10. (Photo Courtesy: Jadyn Armstrong)

“I can always count on her to give me that set, and have it where I want it to be so we can get the point,” Parmley said.

The two played club volleyball together for four years and reunited when Armstrong came to Paradise Valley.

“We connect on the court and we know how each other plays,” Armstrong said. “We’ve been told by multiple parents that watching us play is fun for them.”

While the future remains unknown, one thing’s for sure: Armstrong still will play volleyball.

Thinking about the future pushes her. Seeing how far she’s come and how far she can go is what keeps Armstrong motivated.

Parmley has faith in her teammate, and she knows Armstrong is headed for bigger and better things.

“I see her going on and playing some college ball," she said. "I know that’s what she wants to do, and I believe she can make it happen.”

Armstrong said, “D-I or D-II (is) where my heart is, and I really want to push myself to get there. And I know that once I get there, I won’t be at the top of the food chain, and I’ll have to work my way up, but I’m willing to do that to get better and be who I am.”

Though she’s not sure exactly where she’ll end up, it's safe to say this: This won’t be the last time you’ll hear about Jadyn Armstrong.