By Mike Moguin

Junior Jaylee Carman has been an instrumental part of Altus volleyball, as the program has experienced success in its short-lived history.

“J,” as she is known to her teammates, said the two accomplishments that come to mind that she is most proud of are “As a freshman, our team earned its very ever regional appearance as a ranked team,” Carman said. “Then last year, as a sophomore, our team won its first-ever regional match. Our volleyball program is only five years old, so these are huge milestones for our team.”

Carman said that playing volleyball has helped make her a better person.

Her favorite teacher is a coach who also teaches math.

“Coach (Mark) Dabelstein has been one of my favorite teachers at Altus High School,” she said. “He does a great job motivating students in the classroom while teaching them to be better people outside of the classroom.”

The volleyball athlete said her family inspires her. “They have been my biggest supporters, so I’m always trying to make them proud.”

The teammate that has left the biggest impression on Carman is someone she’ll be without for her last two years of high school. “I was able to play with Keeley Brown for two years before she graduated in 2025. She helped teach me to enjoy the game at all times.”

What is Carman’s favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete? “I think that playing sports is a great way to represent my school and community in a positive way

The best advice that anyone has given her is, “Always be coachable! This shows a willingness to do whatever is asked of you, in order to better the team.”

In addition to playing in high school, Carman has played three years of club volleyball for Great Plains Volleyball Club.

“I would like to thank all of my school and club coaches for helping me become the player that I am,” Carman said. “And I’d like to thank all of my teammates for the lasting relationships that I will always have off the court.”