The high school girls volleyball season began Aug. 28 at schools across the state. West Valley Preps and the Glendale Independent and Peoria Independent asked local high school coaches about their teams. Here are their responses:

Cactus Cobras

Coach: Jana Henige (second season)
2023 Record: 15-14 overall, 6-4 region (4A play in)
Region: 4A West Valley Preps
Top returning players: Jayden Pauli, senior S. 2023 stats: 291 assists, 117 kills, 50 aces. Sapphire Solano, sophomore OH. 97 kills, 25 blocks, 100 digs. Delaney Heady, senior L/OH, 244 digs, 99 kills.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? We have two freshmen that we expect big things from.  Kenli Petty and Ziara Pauli.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Our team's best attribute entering this season is an understanding of each team member's strengths and roles.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? We always look forward to competing against Deer Valley.  Estrella Foothills has a strong team and is the team to beat. 
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? A few of our primary goals for this year's team are to attack each day with enthusiasm, and discipline, focus on the controllables, and always strive to win.

Ironwood Eagles

Coach: Lisa Lopez (10th season)
2023 Record: 17-16 overall, 9-3 region (5A first round)
Region: 5A Northwest
Top returning players: Ashley Logan, junior S/OPP. 2023 stats: 795 assists, 100 kills, 233 digs. Keira Allen, senior L. 575 assists, 401 digs, 28 aces. 
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? Four freshman, OH Malaya Gibbs, OH Nevaeh Osborn, OPP Abbigail Stockton and MB Isabella White.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Their commitment to work hard and desire to compete.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? We’ve already experienced several tough matches and a competitive Westwood Tournament of Champions this weekend. We’ve learned what we need to work on and are excited to experience continued growth.
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? Goals include: coming together as a team, making memories, lasting friendships, continued growth, and going as far as possible in the post season.

Liberty Lions

Coach: Chris Brown (third season)
2023 Record: 21-10-15 overall, 7-3 region (6A quarterfinals)
Region: 6A Desert Valley
Top returning players: Tristen Raymond, senior S. 2023 stats: 229 kills, 299 assists, 229 digs, 48 blocks. Lauren Forelli, sophomore OH, 250 kills, 195 digs. Ella Petcu, senior L. 144 digs, 25 aces.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? Junior Haley Shinske (a newcomer only in the sense that she was injured last year with a torn ACL), Taylor Herring, Katelyn Davey, Katie Starrett, Mattie Burgess, Georgia Sirard.

What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Good blend of youth and experience.  The unity that they share has been really good from day 1.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? Playing the two teams who were in the state championship last year in O'Connor and Perry will be good tests for us.  Sunrise is always a fun and tough matchup, plus it's our dig pink (breast cancer awareness) night so we want the Peoria community to come out, support a great cause, and watch good volleyball.
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? As cliché as it sounds, trust the process.  We have a long term goal, but our short terms are getting 1% better each practice and each game, as well as continuing to let our core values shine through on the court.

Sandra Day O'Connor's girls volleyball team and coaches smiles and holds up #1 after beating GIlbert Perry 25-19, 18-25, 25-17, 25-16 in the 6A state championship game. This is the Eagles first title in the sport. (Courtesy DrFinchDVUSD Twitter)

O'Connor Eagles

Coach: Amanda Burbridge (fourth season)
2023 Record: 34-1 overall, 9-1 region (6A champions)
Region: 6A Desert Valley
Top returning players: Devyn Wiest, senior OH. 2023 stats: 349 kills, 271 digs, 45 aces. Leylah Duran, junior MB, 138 kills, 105 blocks,. Addison France, senior S/RS. 370 assists, 96 kills, 57 blocks.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? Freshman S Allison Veres, freshman L Anabella Cummings
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? We are still deep in our positions with talent throughout the lineup. Good blend of youth and experience. The unity that they share has been really good from day 1.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? We have a tough schedule right out of the gate this season with Slope, Queen Creek, Xavier and Casteel. As well as Liberty in conference. All of those matches will be good and competitive
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? We hope to stay committed to the OC Volleyball culture and defend our 6A Title from last year.

Sunrise Mountain Mustangs

Coach: Brandi Jans (sixth season)
2023 Record: 26-6 overall, 12-0 region (5A quarterfinals)
Region: 5A Northwest
Top returning players: Addison Wiemann, junior OH. 2023 stats: 264 kills, 152 digs, 30 blocks. Shelby Schoenbeck, senior MB, 119 kills, 63 blocks, 34 aces. Lily Rolfes, junior S. 403 assists, 97 digs.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? Junior outside hitter Brooklyn Jenkins, a two-year starter at Valley Vista.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Team dynamics and offensive strength.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? Most looking forward to playing  Notre Dame Prep, Horizon and Centennial.  Horizon will be the toughest competition.
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? Our goal for the season is to make it to the state championship match by staying consistent and discipline throughout the process.