MHS junior Paige Lundeen sets her volleyball goals high

It seems fitting that Paige Lundeen wants to be a nurse some day, working in prenatal labor and delivery. She has been delivering on her athletic potential since she can remember.

The Murray High junior, who gave up a promising drag racing career to concentrate on volleyball two years ago, made the USA Volleyball High Performance A3 training team in late July. There, she spent nine hours per day, five days a week emulating how the national team practices and receiving some of the best coaching and feedback she has ever been exposed to.

“Only a select few get chosen to be on the teams,” Lundeen said. “I got some very good feedback and my confidence got boosted so much. During the next club (volleyball) season, I’m going to try out again, and this time, hopefully I’ll make one of the top two teams.”

Lundeen, who plays setter during the high school season and libero for her club team, Utah Juniors 17 Red, tried out and made the Intermountain Volleyball Association High Performance Selection Camp in February. However, while participating in a Far Westerns Qualifier in Reno with her club team, Lundeen decided to try out for the USA High Performance team and made the third tier. Those who made the top tier, or A1, traveled to Turkey for international competition.

The High Performance teams are considered a pipeline that feeds into the USA Volleyball program. Select athletes receive the same training as national-team players to continue building young talent in anticipation of the Olympics every four years.

Though it was difficult to put her drag racing career on hold – she was the points leader when she did – Lundeen has her mind set on becoming the best volleyball player she can be.

“When I decided to sell my car, I realized the race tracks will always be there, but I could only play volleyball so long,” Lundeen said. “Drag racing is more of an individual thing, while in volleyball I’ve got six other players to worry about on the court. Drag racing made me more mentally tough for volleyball. I’m pretty hard on myself. I always look back on what I could have done better.”

As for her position, Lundeen much rather prefers libero, but is gradually becoming a top setter as well. In preparation for the high school season, she worked with Nikki Zhao, who set for the University of Arkansas and the Chinese National Team. Lundeen also took private lessons from Sydney Anderson, who starred at Alta High before playing at the University of Utah and Nebraska.

On the club level, four of Lundeen’s coaches have been successful liberos in college.

“As the setter, you’re the first contact on the ball so it’s such a huge responsibility,” Lundeen said. “I love playing defense. I love sprawling out and diving for balls. It’s a lot less stressful than setting.”

Volleyball has indeed become a year-round sport for Lundeen. The high school season runs from August to November, and club tryouts are the first Monday after the state tournament.

A three-year varsity starter at Murray, Lundeen is excited about the Spartans’ potential this season. After finishing 9-17 overall and missing the playoffs last season, Murray is 16-6 thus far and well on its way to a postseason berth. Experience has made the difference, as six seniors are on the team this year.

Lundeen, who will be 17 next month, is taking college courses at Murray (biology, anatomy) and anticipates having her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate by next semester. The University of Utah and Nevada-Las Vegas are at the top of her college wish list.