Harry Kaseff is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism graduate student assigned to cover Corona del Sol High School for AZPreps365.com

TEMPE – Laughter fills the gym at Corona del Sol long before volleyball practice begins. The players arrive early, teasing and cheering each other on as they warm up. It’s a small glimpse into what Aztec coach Ben Maxfield has built — a program rooted in trust, where lifelong friendships translate into competitive drive.

Maxfield has sent 32 athletes to play NCAA volleyball since 2016. The Aztecs have played in the Arizona State championship match five times since then. In just the past five years, Corona del Sol has been to the state Final Four three times. The Aztecs are currently ranked as the No. 34 team nationally, and the No. 2 team in Arizona.

“The thing is, we’re a very welcoming environment,” Maxfield said.

The volleyball culture at Corona del Sol is all about life outside of volleyball, family and competition.

“We take care of them,” Maxfield said.

The Aztecs are developing athletes on and off the court. Maxfield is also an AP Spanish teacher who develops relationships with his players off the court. He wants them to see him as more than just their coach.

“He gave me a lot of confidence… knowing that I’m capable of doing anything I set my mind to,” senior libero Erin Clark said.

Clark, who will play volleyball at Alabama next year, is nearing 2000 career digs as she looks to lead the Aztecs to another state championship.

“I’m a vocal leader on the court, going for every ball, because you don't know until you go,” Clark said.

“We always talk about seams before every play, so communicating which ball I have: short or deep, or in between the seams.”

Grades are crucial to succeed as an Aztec.

“He pushes me to be a very good student athlete, and he compliments me on my grades all the time,” sophomore middle blocker Mikaela Lee-Tsosie said.

The setter duo of junior Adelyn Chang and senior Avery Lim are going to attend Temple and Fordham, respectively.

Corona del Sol volleyball hosts an annual volleyball day with the “Aztykes,” who are children in the daycare program at the high school (children of teachers). (Photo courtesy of Ben Maxfield)

Corona del Sol volleyball matches hold a familial feeling, as athletes on the team grew up together.

“I love our team aspect and playing with everyone around me,” junior setter Adelyn Chang said, who will play at Temple beginning in 2027. “It’s just a ton of different personalities and friends that I'll have for a while.”

Maxfield moved his mom to Tempe after his dad died 18 months ago.

“They’re very much aware of my mom and all of the things that I have to do to take care of her,” Maxfield said.

Maxfield has passed this kind of care and compassion on to his players.

“I feel like not only being a leader on the court, but outside of it,” senior middle blocker Hayden Conner said.

Conner, who will play volleyball at the University of Washington, scored her 1000th career kill on Sept. 24 against Sunnyslope.

“Showing what you’re capable of and that you’re mature enough to handle things,” Conner said. “You’re ready, organized… your identity isn't just volleyball.”

“We play as a family, and not as individuals all the time,” Clark said.

Fellow senior Avalon Legg is staying in the state as she will play at Northern Arizona University.

Corona del Sol volleyball poses with the “Aztykes” and their balloons during their annual volleyball day. (Photo courtesy of Ben Maxfield)

The Aztec’s volleyball roster features nine seniors, seven juniors and two sophomores, creating immense competition on the court.

The Aztecs are looking for their first state championship since 2022. 

Clark and Conner were just freshmen that season. They’re looking to lead the Aztecs back to the top of Arizona volleyball.

“We play with a lot of grit and heart,” Clark said. “There’s never a moment where someone doesn't want what's best for the person beside them.”

“This program pushes a lot of successful and high-level athletes,” Lee-Tsosie said.  

Maxfield sees his athletes as people and motivates them to be the best volleyball players they can be.

“It’s a good place to be when you want to go far in your volleyball career,” Lee-Tsosie said. “Each coach sets us to high standards, so it’s really preparing you for the collegiate level.”

Clark and Conner are passing on the lessons they learned from upperclassmen when they were new to Aztec volleyball.

“They were always very confident and I felt very safe,” Conner said. “I could always lean on them.”

Conner wants to cement herself as one of the all-time Corona greats.

Corona del Sol went on an 18-match winning streak to start this season. The Aztecs boast a 29-5 record and are 3-2 in 6A - Central Region play, with three region matches remaining.

Region rival Xavier College Prep is top ranked in the state. The Aztecs and Gators will play on Oct. 28 to round out the regular season.

Corona del Sol is poised to compete for the region title, and go on another state title run before seven of their nine seniors graduate to play NCAA volleyball in 2026.