High school volleyball: MVPs led teams by example

Talent can bring an athlete accolades and attention, but the ability to lead will bring the kind of success that extends beyond the court.

This year's Deseret News Most Valuable Players in volleyball may have played different positions, held different roles and had different personalities, but these five student athletes share the ability to lead by example which translated into success for them as individuals and their respective teams.

5A MVP

Danica Mendivil, Pleasant Grove

With a senior-laden team, the Pleasant Grove volleyball team didn't need a lot of leadership. But this senior and three-year starter provided the kind of example all coaches want by working as hard as she could.

"She was such a strong leader," said Vikings head coach Jamie Schapper. "She was the first one in the gym, the last one to leave. She made sure they were all in the gym. She took care of her teammates."

Mendivil started as a freshman and then missed her sophomore year due to an injury. She helped the Vikings to a second-place finish last year and a 5A state title this season.

The future Arizona State volleyball player finished the year with 303 digs, 367 kills and 13 solo blocks.

"She's such a strong player," said Schapper. "Her strength was her hitting and just moving across the court. She's just an overall dynamic player on the court, both physically and mentally."

Schapper said Mendivil experienced "huge growth" between her junior and senior year in terms of her ability to rally her teammates.

"She also understood her role as a go-to player," he said. "She was an amazing player from the beginning but she really took control this year."

In addition to her top-notch skill and leadership abilities, Mendivil is a well-rounded human being.

"She's a fun person to be around," said Schapper. "Especially one-on-one. It's really fun to be around her."

4A MVP

Ciara Parker,Snow Canyon

Ciara Parker knows all about pressure. She led the Snow Canyon volleyball team to a state title as a freshman setter and then was faced with the daunting task of doing it again this season.