The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser and the Timu Foundation.
Height can be one of the biggest assets on a volleyball team, but it all comes down to the spirit of the players. For the Jordan Panthers, the team may not have the height but they certainly have the heart to compete in the 2026 season.
“What I love about this team is that they are really positive,” Head Coach Lara Stone said. “They’re really sweet girls, and they look out for each other. With the way they care for each other, we can finish the season stronger than we start.”
The core of the Panthers this year is built around three seniors. Libero Abigail Guadarrama, outside hitter/defensive specialist Joselin Castillo and outside hitter/defensive specialist Lizette Arellano are the trio of upperclassmen leading Jordan this year.
“To have returners at the core shows they love the sport and they love the game,” Guadarrama said.
Stone said her team is learning how to play together and these three are leading the charge, relying on their veteran experience and knowledge of the game to bring the Panthers together.
“We’ve built an understanding that communication comes first and showing up not just for yourself but for everyone else,” Stone said of her upperclassmen. “They lead, but in a positive way. They understand that they’re all a team, and they speak positively to each other.”
Coming up to join the three seniors will be another group of loyal Panthers. Stone said many of the new players this year are transitioning to indoor from the JV Beach team, bringing a year-round commitment to the game.
“The strongest thing they bring is accountability,” Stone said of these new players. “When you’re on the beach, everyone’s going to pass that hit, everyone’s going to serve and serve-receive. Therefore, there’s a lot less focus on ‘my ball’ versus ‘your ball.’ So, coaching back indoors has just been making sure we’re still accountable for the ball.”
As this group learns to play together, it will be a building year for Jordan. Stone has high expectations for her seniors, who have shown nothing but consistency during their time on the North Side.
“Our goal is really to just be intentional and focus when we’re on the court,” Stone said. “In general with our young people, there’s so many distractions and things going on between school, the internet, Instagram. Everything’s so quick that when we’re on the court — when it’s our turn to serve — being intentional, actually thinking about it, and serve-receive.”
For leaders like Guadarrama, she said the team is taking steps toward these goals by focusing on their everyday actions. With each player rooting their game in respect, the team is working on strengthening their chemistry together.
“We show up for every game [and] practice on time, and we’re just ready to play,” Guadarrama said. “My leadership role this year will be showing the underclassmen to never give up, keep going and do what you want.”
The Panthers will kick off their season on the road at Mary Star of the Sea, with their official Moore League campaign beginning Sept. 8 against Millikan.
