East County Athlete of the Week: Aryanna Spainhower

Aryanna Spainhower is a senior on the Braden River High volleyball team. Spainhower had 11 kills, 18 digs and a block in a 3-1 win over Riverview High on Sept. 21. The two-time defending district champion Pirates are 9-2 as of Sept. 25. 

When did you start playing volleyball?

I started when I was 9. My sister (Brianna Sweitzer) played volleyball and I got involved after watching her. She's actually the junior varsity coach here at Braden River now. 

What is the appeal to you?

I love the competitive nature of the volleyball world. It's such a big drive for me. I throw everything I have onto the court. My team is fun and uplifting to be around as well.

What is your best skill?

Defense and serve-receiving. I used to be pretty short. I couldn't block or hit. I had to hone in on defense and serves so I could do something for my team. Being able to dig everything was a big help. (Spainhower is now approximately 5-foot-8.)

What have you been working to improve?

I have been trying my hardest to improve at hitting into different zones. I'm seeing what I get out of a set and then trying to put the ball in the best place, even if it is not the hardest hit I could have done. 

What is your favorite memory?

Winning our district championship my sophomore year. It was so much fun because it was my first year on varsity and in that match, I got the winning kill. The entire team rushed the court and tackled me onto the floor. It was so cool. 

What are your goals for this season?

Last year I was named our team's defensive MVP at the end of the year. I want to win that again. That's where I thrive. As a team, becoming a three-time district champ is at the top of the list. Making it past the regional semifinals would also be amazing. 

What will it take to make a deep playoff run?

We just need to calm down. Sometimes we get caught in the moment (in big matches). We just need to take a deep breath, a 30-second timeout, and get back ready to play. 

What is your favorite food?

I like shepherd's pie a lot. 

What is your favorite movie?

I love the "Star Wars" series. I like "Harry Potter" a lot, too. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Well, my favorite core subject is math. I have always excelled in that. But specifically, I'm taking an intro to robotics class this year and I'm loving it. It's like playing with glorified Legos. You can be creative and put everything together however you want. You see if it works and if it does not, you just try again. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Super speed, just to get places faster. Gas is so expensive. 

What are your hobbies?

I like to swim, so I'm in my pool a lot and at the beach. I hang out with y friends. 

What is the best advice you have received?

To be a leader, you don't have to be perfect. You just have to have a voice. It's something I'm connecting with now that I'm a senior. 

Finish this sentence: "Aryanna Spainhower is …"

Optimistic.