Leading the way

Leadership is not a duty that suits everyone. Some will abuse power, while others don't take it seriously and neglect those who look up to them.

This year's Deseret Morning News volleyball most valuable players, however, did neither. They took the mantle of leader and they guided their teammates to state championships with praise, compassion and an unfaltering work ethic.

They play different positions for very different teams, but the one thing these five girls have in common is a desire to do their best and see their teammates do the same.

5A MVP, Airial Salvo, Viewmont: If there is such thing as a volleyball addiction, this junior has the disease — bad.

"She never wants to quit," said her coach and mom, Lori Salvo. "She's the one to say, 'Can't we just do one more drill, play one more game?' "

Salvo's love for the sport is as obvious as her talent. There really isn't anything she can't do extremely well. She's listed as an outside hitter but can play middle blocker and setter just as effectively. Her versatility, drive and talent helped the young but skilled Vikings win their first 5A volleyball title this season.

"One of the neatest things to see this year was how as a junior she treated the younger kids," Lori Salvo said. "She just loves the game so much; I don't think she's had an air about her at all."

In fact, Airial Salvo was critical of her own performance in the state tournament, where she picked up double-digit digs and smashed double-digit kills.

"She just hated for the season to be over," Lori Salvo said.

An honor student, Airial Salvo is already getting letters from Division I colleges, like Utah, USC, Colorado State, Arizona and Florida State, just to name a few.

"She has two boxes full of letters," her mother said. "It's been awesome to see the opportunities they offer girls nowadays. It's just amazing."

4A MVP, Jayni Dowse, Lone Peak: This senior middle blocker was key at the net all season for the Knights, who won their first 4A volleyball championship this year. The team captain had some of her best matches when it mattered most — the state tournament.

"She hit over .600 percent," said coach Deanna Meyer. "She was really sick going into state, but she came to practice every day and sat there. She helped out in whatever way she could. She was always there for her team."