Dmitri Kiriluk is an ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Christian High School for AZPreps365.com 

PHOENIX – For many high school coaches, retirement never seems to stick. That’s been the case for Phoenix Christian volleyball head coach Terry Sutter, who has answered the call to return more than once since he first took over the Cougars in 2016.

“They asked me to come back each time, which I’ve done because I care so much about these girls and these athletes,” Sutter said.

The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Phoenix Christian, which sits at 6-11 with one game left. The Cougars opened the year 0-5, failing to win a set until their sixth match, which was a breakthrough victory over Heritage Academy.

Despite the record, Sutter said this season has been about more than wins and losses.

“It's not really just been about what MaxPreps says and what our scoreboard is,” said Sutter. “We've worked really, really hard on our culture as a team, and making sure that everybody has an amazing experience for us. That's been just as important.”

That culture is one his players have embraced, even during difficult stretches. The Cougars have lost five of their last six matches before their win on Tuesday against Madison Highland Prep, but they continue to practice and play with passion for their coach.

“He's just always giving so much of his time towards our team,” said junior Leah Walker. “He's really amazing.”

Sophomore Brooklyn Clark echoed that sentiment, praising Sutter’s consistency and dedication.

“I think he just goes above and beyond with his coaching,” Clark said. “Every day he shows up, whether he’s in a good or bad mood. And again, he just pushes us.”

Phoenix Christian will close out the regular season Thursday night at home against Little Rock, a matchup that doubles as Senior Night. For Sutter, it’s an emotional moment, as it’s one final opportunity to lead a group of players he’s helped shape on and off the court.

“I want them to be so upset that the season is over,” he said. “Not from the volleyball, but from the relationships and each other.”

Sutter even has a unique tradition he asks his players to take part in after the final match of the year.

“I want them to sleep in their jerseys,” he said.

For Clark, it’s another example of how her coach blends meaning and memory.

He’s done a great job with providing for the team and being there for all of us,” she said.

Faith also plays a central role in Phoenix Christian’s identity, something Sutter makes sure to emphasize.

“We’re all representing Christ first and representing our family,” Sutter said. “We’re also representing the program and the school, and we keep that front and center. We talk about it before every single match. We remind ourselves of why we’re here and what we’re doing. And these are an amazing, good group of girls. They are tremendous individuals.”

As the Cougars prepare for their final match of the season, the scoreboard, whether they win or lose, won’t tell the whole story. For Sutter and his team, their success comes from faith, growth, and the relationships they’ve built.