Kevin Redfern is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Heights for AZPreps365.com.

Noah Kennedy came into Desert Heights Preparatory Academy as a freshman with a bitter disposition. Kennedy grew up in central Phoenix and went to middle school locally, but landed at Desert Heights in Glendale based on a recommendation from a family friend.

Four years later, she is pondering staying at Desert Heights as a staff member in the athletic office as she pursues secondary education.

Upon arrival at Desert Heights, Kennedy tried out for the volleyball team, a Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) powerhouse at the time. She was placed on the junior varsity, and played for a year.

“I came in, I was rough, I was angry. I didn’t want to be here,” Kennedy said.

Through all the bitterness, coach Courtney Martin saw a unique and talented individual. Martin, also the athletic director at the school, developed a relationship with Kennedy in her first year.

“They really liked my work ethic,” Kennedy said, “and I did not want to play volleyball, so she asked me to be the manager, so I kind of got into that.”

Kennedy fit the manager role perfectly. As she grew comfortable in her new school, she quickly became a crucial part of the Coyotes volleyball team, while also being its biggest fan. Soon enough, she became the backbone of the volleyball program.

Whether it is keeping stats or being the loudest person in the gym, Kennedy grew into the trademark Coyote. She frequently flashes the Desert Heights coyote salute, which mirrors, but slightly differs from the Arizona State “forks up” tradition.

“Noah seriously brings joy to our team and me,” Martin said. “(She) started off her freshman year a different person, and who she is today is a blessing.”

Team chemistry is paramount in high school sports. The faster a team clicks together and plays for something meaningful, the more successful that team will become. The term “sisterhood” was used many times by both Kennedy and her junior teammate Emma Elliot to describe the Coyotes volleyball team. Even in their darkest moments, Martin and her players will find a silver lining.

The off-court stories are often the memories that last forever. For Desert Heights, it is the iPad story.

After a long trek for a game at Heritage Academy in Mesa, the Coyotes ate their meal and began the 35-mile trip home to Glendale. They already had made it halfway back before the team group chat began lighting up.

Coach Martin’s iPad, the responsibility of the manager, was nowhere to be found.

“We ended up having to call the (Heritage) coach. She had to drive from her house and open up the school. It was definitely a learning experience,” Kennedy said. “I thought I was dead.”

Kennedy is known for showing her goofy side when things go awry during practice or games, and it often evokes a positive response from her teammates.

“She has been one of my best friends throughout my high school career,” Elliot said. “No matter what happens she is always able to make me smile at practice if I have a rough day.”

Over her first three years at Desert Heights, the Coyotes contended for a CAA championship every year. For their senior year, they are competing in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) for the first time. The Coyotes are 5-4 so far this season, which most would view as a success in their first year in a new league.

“I truly believe we can make a run for a title,” Martin said.

Kennedy lives with her mom and younger, but taller, brother Elijah in Phoenix. At this point, Kennedy still is deciding between a few schools for college, but she wants to decide a possible career path before she picks a school. However, she always will have a home at Desert Heights with the athletic staff and Martin, who Kennedy explains is “like a mother and a mentor.”

Kennedy says she has been approached for a position at the school post-graduation in some capacity, whether it be as a referee or an aid in the athletic department. She may not have seen it four years ago, but Kennedy herself will admit she is a Coyote for life.