Lindsay Zienty is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Perry High School for AZPreps365.com

From impromptu dance parties to heartfelt conversations about inclusion, the Perry girl’s volleyball team has found unique ways to prepare for the upcoming Arizona state championships.

After falling short of the state title last year, the Pumas have left nothing up for debate this season. On Wednesday, they topped off their 15-0 undefeated season with a shutout win against Sunnyslope, which is a very familiar score to Perry considering it has won 11 matches, 3-0.

It is no secret that the team is stacked with collegiate level talent and years of experience, but after talking to the players it is obvious that what makes them great is more than their skill on the court. The Pumas, seeded No. 1 in the 6A division, open the state tournament at home Friday when they take on No. 16 seed Mountain Ridge. 

Seniors Ella Rud and Jenna Heller, both three-year varsity players, were voted captains by their teammates to lead the Pumas to success this season. The process to select them began at the start of the year when the team had a chance to come together, eat breakfast and lay out their goals for the season. 

Both of the captains felt their biggest responsibilities this year were to lead by example, on and off the court, to consistently check in on the mental and physical health of their teammates, and to create an inclusive environment. 

“Ella and my goal this year was to have one united team and we knew we could make it happen,” Heller said. 

“We are all really best friends. I could talk go to every single one of these girls with a problem and they would listen.”

The Pumas have invested a lot of time into making the program as close and connected as possible because they believe it is what sets them apart from other teams. 

“We are a very inclusive team so everyone’s involved. It isn’t like there is a huge difference in, ‘Oh you’re a captain and you’re not a captain.’ Everyone is in it and I like it like that,” Rudd said. 

The Pumas also incorporate a unique tradition called, “Program Sisters”, which assists the girls in building a connection with each other no matter how old they are or what level of volleyball they play. 

“One varsity girl, one junior varsity girl, and then one freshman girl, we all get each other gifts for each week, and then we do posters for each other on certain game weeks,” Rudd said. “It’s not just Varsity Perry Volleyball, it’s everyone involved.” 

Sophomores Avery Burks, Amy Wahlin, and Reagan Reynolds were not afraid to speak highly of the Pumas’ program and their team captains. 

“I think both Ella and Jenna have good leadership qualities,” Wahlin said. “They take initiative and help us with what we need to do and what we need to get better on.” 

Both Rudd and Heller were role models to the sophomores in their freshman year and continue to be this year. “This year coming on to the team they accept us even though we are younger and they still treat us the same as they would if we were seniors,” Reynolds said. 

The team also emphasizes the importance of game day rituals and how they have contributed to the incomparable chemistry the Pumas have. One ritual the team seems to love is the pregame dance party, which allows the athletes to keep the time before competition fun and stress-free. 

“We also bring a big speaker and play either the ‘Cupid Shuffle’ or ‘Watch Me’ (Whip/Nae Nae),” Rudd said. 

With the state tournament just around the corner, the Pumas plan to fit in one more team bonding activity and come together as one to bring the state title home to Perry.