Since Perry opened in 2007, the girls’ volleyball program struggled to find an identity. It had been a punching bag for neighboring teams, as the varsity team alone won only 18 of its first 111 matches.

Then something changed.

With a new coaching staff and new energy, the 2013 team has greatly impacted the program. The Pumas (25-15, 11-6) had a tough schedule full of state title contenders and all PHS did was persevere, setting an all-time record for wins in a season by early September. They opened the year by winning 11 of their first 13 matches.

Senior captain Talise Babbitt, who was one of several returning players from 2012 believes the new philosophies of head coach Fred Mann went a long way in changing the mentality of the team.

“[It] has a lot to do with the coaching and us believing in ourselves this year,” she said. “Coach Mann definitely has a lot to do with our success.”

Senior setter Kahri Harrion, who is a co-capitan, said: “I feel very proud because we are the first ones to really make a change in the volleyball program for Perry.

Earning an eight-seed in the division-I playoffs, the Pumas hosted No. 9 Mountain Pointe.

Every point was highly contested; PHS dropped the first game 25-21, but bounced back to take the next two games, 27-25, 25-21. Just like that, PHS was one game away from advancing to the second round.

The Pumas’ playoff inexperience might have shown itself, however, as the Pride played its best volleyball with their backs against the wall, and they won the next two games 25-19 and 15-10 to take the match and eliminate PHS.

Despite the postseason setback, the future couldn’t be brighter for the Pumas.

“I feel we have really helped the team in motivating and showing [younger players] anything is possible,” Harrion said, “and to believe in themselves.”

In addition to the Varsity girls volleyball team having an exceptional season and making it to playoffs, we cannot forget about the Freshmen and Junior Varsity girls with their outstanding season as well. With the girls giving outstanding efforts, they have completed one of their best seasons yet.

The freshmen girls ended with a phenomenal season. Their record was 14-3 with key wins over Highland and Basha.The Junior Varsity girl’s record was just as good with their record being 13-4 with key wins over Basha, Hamilton and Desert Ridge.

With the younger girls striving and having such successful seasons, the girl’s volleyball future looks bright for next years varsity team.