Issa Sánchez is a Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover McClintock High School for AZPreps365.com.

TEMPE – Arieana “Ari” Sepulveda never shies away from a challenge. Balancing sports, school and work, the McClintock defensive specialist always sets the bar high and strives to clear it every time. 

For Sepulveda, her decision to take on a second sport her senior year, a sport that she had little experience in, was more than just about pushing herself to her limits; it was a lesson in perseverance. Nurtured by McClintock volleyball coach Jacob Laikona’s tough-love approach, and fueled by determination, Sepulveda has learned that meeting high expectations is much more than being the best player and winning games. 

“I definitely set high expectations for myself,” Sepulveda said. “I'm not going to lie, I don't always meet those expectations, but that's OK, I want that to happen because there are always going to be setbacks in life.”

Sepulveda’s first love is softball. It wasn't until the end of her junior year that she decided she wanted to try out for volleyball. 

“I was telling him [Jacob] during the school year that I was going to play volleyball," Seplveda said, “and he was like, ‘No, you're not.’

Laikona works as the lead safety and security officer for McClintock High School, as well as the coach for both boys and girls varsity volleyball. 

“My response to anybody who says they want to try out and play for me in volleyball,” Laikona said. “I'll tell them you don't want to do that…I'm definitely not the normal type of coach. I'm really hard and my expectations are really high.”

That didn't scare Sepulveda away. It furthered her desire to make the team.

Laikona hosts a summer bootcamp to work with the girls on their volleyball skills. Sepulveda attended and caught the eye of Laikona and the other coaches. 

Initially a hitter, Sepulveda struggled to find her place. Realizing that may not be the best position for her, she switched to the back row and flourished there.

“[She] definitely stood out to me and my JV coach,” Laikona said. “We made a joke that it's going to be funny that this brand new player, who never played volleyball before, comes out in her senior year and ends up making the team. 

“She's starting over players that have been doing it for years.” 

Harnessing Laikona’s high expectations pushed Sepulveda to her full potential, becoming a leader and force on the team. 

“When I know a coach knows my potential, I let them go full on,” Sepulveda said. “Because I know the expectations I had set from day one.”

Sepulveda’s coaches and teammates notice her leadership. 

Friend, teammate and captain Jordyn Mason has known Sepulveda for seven years. Although having played softball together years prior, this was their first time really growing closer as friends.

“I love Ari!” Mason said, “I think playing together really helped us get closer. I love having her as a teammate. She definitely brings her positive energy.” 

“We tend to get down on ourselves really fast, and she's one of the main people who doesn't get in her head and keeps the energy up.” 

Not only does Sepulveda hold herself to high expectations in sports, but also at home. She is the oldest of three children, with two younger brothers.  

“My dad sets very high limits for us. My rules at home are so strict,” Sepulveda said, “I'm the only girl and also the oldest. I have to set those standards for my youngest.” 

Sepulveda balances softball and volleyball with school and a part-time job at a retail store. Having time to decompress from a busy week is something that is important to her.

“I just relax with my family,” Sepulveda said. “My brother does boxing, so I'll go watch him spar. Sometimes he has to cut weight, so he’ll be like, ‘Hey, come run with me.’ So I'll go run with him.”

Family also helps Sepulveda excel in volleyball.

Although Laikona is known for his demanding standards, his emphasis on family atmosphere helps his players be the best they can be.

“The positivity, the way we helped each other with support, the family, every part of it,” Laikona said. “That goes to show how her parents have raised her. They hold her to a higher standard, and she knows that. She knows the way she acts on and off the court really matters to them. They've done a great job with her.” 

The same characteristics that make her stand out to her coaches also translate to the people playing beside her. Mason also sees the same authenticity off the court. 

“[Ari] is somebody you can be yourself around. Somebody who won't judge you,” Mason said.  She's a very forgiving person. She's always going to be real with you.” 

Sepulveda plans to attend college after high school and values the importance of a consistent routine, as she hopes it will help her in the future with college sports.

“I like playing [volleyball and softball.] It keeps me busy, and I'm getting myself ready for college and how busy it's going to be when I'm in season.” 

With graduation fast approaching, Sepulveda carries these lessons of self-reliance and reflects on what sports have taught her about perseverance and expectation. 

“Sports is a lot mentally, and balancing school and work, sometimes I'm like I can't do this,” Sepulveda said, “But you have to keep pushing yourself because in the real world, nobody is going to be there except yourself.”

“Always try new things and don't be afraid to push yourself to the limits because you never know what you can accomplish as a person.”