Athlete Profile: Jayden Arndt

As high school teams approached the highly unusual fall season, every team needed players to step up as leaders and be positive examples for the rest of their team. Senior Jayden Arndt is trying to be one of those individuals for the Oconto Falls volleyball team.

While the senior hopes to be among the team leaders in several statistical categories, she knows her leadership on and off the court is just as important to the team’s success and experiences this fall.

Arndt serves as a middle hitter for the Panthers.

Q: When did your interest in volleyball begin?

A: My interest in volleyball started in sixth grade. My grandparents (Kathy and Richard Stein) would take me to the varsity games at the high school, and I really looked up to those older girls.

Q: What is your favorite part about the volleyball season?

A: My favorite part is being able to make so many memories with my friends during practice, bus rides and game days. I love hanging out with them and they make every day so much more fun.

Q: What kind of individual goals have you set for yourself this fall to help your team out?

A: I want to lead the team in blocks and be one of the top hitters on the team.

Q: What are some of your team’s keys to success this season?

A: This season we are really focusing on communicating better and picking each other up as much as possible.

Q: As a senior, how will you balance being a leader for your team and trying to enjoy your final season?

A: I try to focus on recognizing when it’s time to have fun and when it’s time to be more serious. My team makes being a leader very easy and fun, which I am very appreciative of.

Q: Talk about your preparation for the season.

A: The team played tournaments down in Appleton and played every week in Green Bay over the summer, as well as workouts and open gyms.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Oconto Falls volleyball team?

A: My favorite memory is when the bench and everyone are really into the game and everyone gets super excited when we get a kill or a block or a dig. It just makes every game so much more fun and interesting.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “Friends.” Movie — “The Breakfast Club.” Musical artist — Post Malone.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I broke both of my wrists in gym classes.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: Anything worth getting requires hard work.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I want to move onto a four-year university and study to become a nurse practitioner.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Jayden Arndt

Sport: Volleyball

Positions: Middle hitter

School: Oconto Falls High School

Year: Senior