Moving to a new school is never easy, especially when it means leaving behind friends, familiar routines, and a sense of comfort. For junior Jaycee Gormley, that challenge came this year when she transferred from Arizona to Shadow Ridge High School. In her first year at the school, Gormley has already made a strong impression by earning a spot on the varsity volleyball team and later joining the Junior Varsity Flag Football Team during a separate season.
Transferring schools can feel isolating, but athletics quickly became a bridge for Gormley. Volleyball, a sport she had already been passionate about before moving, gave her an immediate sense of connection to her new environment.
 “When I moved here, I was really nervous about starting over,” Gormley said. “Volleyball helped me feel like I belonged right away.”
Making the varsity volleyball team as a junior is no small accomplishment, especially at a school with a competitive athletic program. It requires not only strong athletic ability, but also confidence, discipline, and adaptability. For Gormley, adjusting to a new team dynamic was one of the biggest challenges.
“Everyone already knew each other, so I had to push myself and show what I could bring to the team,” she said.
Gormley’s experience on varsity volleyball extended beyond game performance. Learning new systems and building chemistry with unfamiliar teammates pushed her to grow both mentally and socially. Through practices and matches, she developed stronger communication skills and gained confidence in her abilities.Â
“It taught me to be more outgoing and trust myself,” Gormley said.
After the volleyball season concluded, Gormley continued her athletic involvement by joining junior varsity flag football. Participating in a different sport during another season allowed her to remain active while further integrating into the school community.Â
“I wanted to keep being involved and try something new,” she said. “Flag football was a great way to do that.”
Flag football presented a new challenge, requiring quick decision-making and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Gormley embraced the opportunity, applying lessons learned from volleyball to a different setting. The experience helped her broaden her athletic skill set while strengthening her connections with other students.
“Being on another team helped me meet more people and feel even more comfortable at school,” she said.
Gormley’s journey highlights how involvement in school athletics can help students navigate major transitions. By committing to varsity volleyball in one season and JV flag football in another, she found confidence, consistency, and community.
 “Moving was a big change,” Gormley said, “but getting involved made Shadow Ridge feel like home.”
As the school year continues, Jaycee Gormley’s impact is already clear. What began as a challenging move from Arizona has turned into an opportunity for growth and belonging, proving that determination and involvement can turn change into success both on and off the field.
