Chantal Rivera is a student journalist at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University assigned to cover South Mountain volleyball.

As the 2019 season continues its course, the South Mountain Jaguars are ready to defend their territory with coach Paula Spratlen-Mitchell on their side.  

“We need to take care of the ball on our side of the net. We have to respect our opponents, not fear them,” Spratlen-Mitchell said. “The girls also seem more focused on avoiding drama and being willing to work together for the good of the team.”

Paula Spratlen-Mitchell has been coaching the girls volleyball team at South Mountain for years. She has a very special place in her heart for these players. This year, she is ready to focus on their growth, not only on the court but their personal growth as well.

“They keep me inspired and wanting to continue to give back. I want to invest in their lives so they can reach back once they are no longer playing volleyball,” the coach said. “I’m looking forward for the girls to take charge of the team, make it theirs, and then I will follow their lead.”

So far, the Lady Jags have played three games and they are sitting at 1-2. 

This year, the squad has several newcomers, the majority being sophomores. Still, Spratlen-Mitchell has a positive attitude about the matches to come. This year’s key players include sophomore outside hitter Kamri Radden, sophomore setter Yasmine Cannon, sophomore liberos Arianna Nino and Sierra Rosales, and junior middle blocker and three-year-starter Jordan Dansby.

Dansby, a standout player, has been on the varsity team since she was a freshman. She was awarded player of the year in 2018, and although this could be glorious for her other teammates, the middle blocker remains humble and has a clear vision for the squad this season. Currently, Dansby is dealing with an injury from this past summer, but that is not stopping her from contributing to the team.

“I have a strong passion and love for this sport, and I think this helps me a lot,” Dansby said. “We all (see) potential in this team, but I feel we need to create bonds and know each other better in the court.”

Radden, who is also thinking about joining track this year, feels that she can be a great leader, too. She also knows she still has some improvements to make.

“We are not the perfect team, but we have all the pieces we need to be better,” Radden said. “We need to improve on our skills, get stronger and I know we will be solid.”

Radden also expressed how happy she is to have Spratlen-Mitchell at the helm.

“She brings so much positivity to the team. She wants the best for us, and you can tell,” Radden said.

Including the White Tank Invitational, the Lady Jags are gearing up for at least 20 more games. Their next match will be this Tuesday against the North Mustangs.