Higley’s volleyball team has attracted attention all around the state with championship appearances two years in a row. Are the Knights feeling the pressure?

“We have always been expected to be a good team so there isn’t anything new in terms of the pressure,” said senior Zach Scheerhorn.

But the Knights know there is room for improvement even as defending champions. They have won 44 games in the past two years after a 14-14-2 record in 2016. There is a consensus on consistency and better communication.

With 11 players returning this year, Higley is in position to defend its title even though the Knights lost three All-State players and one All-Section player.

“Some teams have already written us off,'' coach Andrew Yamashiro said.

The Knights open the season at Gilbert Feb. 26.

Higley is one of few schools whose volleyball program has four different levels – varsity, junior varsity, junior varsity 2 and freshman. This structure is unique because it allows athletes to develop while competing against other teams.

“It allows us to build stability,” said Yamashiro. “It is a way to help us build our team.”

In 2017, the Knights fell short and lost to the Coyotes in the state championship. The following season they finished undefeated in both their region and conference prior to advancing to the state title game. Tthey went on to win their first state championship in school history.

“It was the most glorious moment of my career,” said senior Carter Garrett. “It was gratifying because it can be summed up in one moment knowing that we had gone so far and worked so hard all season.”

Senior Jacob Good added: “It was an unforgettable memory. We have progressed each season since my freshman year and seeing how it has finally gotten to that point and win it all was an amazing experience.”