Breeana Noel’s ability to navigate tempestuous moments with a methodical approach on the volleyball court reflect the demeanor of a surgeon.

Fitting for the James Irwin senior setter, who hopes to delve into the medical field in the future.

“She always looks under control on the court and that nothing-phases-her mentality is perfect for someone who’s going to operate on you,” coach Mike Prusinowski said. “As a setter, they’re the ones who make the quickest decisions on the court. She decides who to set and how to set them up. There are times where she leads the team in digs and she’s not afraid of taking the hardest hits from the team, in fact, she welcomes it.”

This week’s Peak Performer plans to attend a four-year university and major in biochemistry. Noel currently volunteers at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in the surgical department learning the intricacies of the field.

Noel displays identical dedication to her craft on the volleyball court to assist her teammates and ensure she excels for the Jaguars.

Whether it’s in-game situations, sets toward the center of the net or outside, Noel understands the importance of each repetition.

James Irwin girls volleyball setter Breeana Noel hits the ball during a photoshoot at the school on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Noel has played a crucial role on the team as they’ve been on a 12 win streak. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)

Parker Seibold

“There are some drills that we do that can be kind of repetitive, but ultimately it does pay off because practice doesn’t make perfect, but it makes excellence,” Noel said. “I think our team demonstrates that. Working with Jayla (Higgs) and Miranda (Hamilton), (our) middles, we run a lot of different things. Working on that and getting that down in practice pays off during the games.”

When Jaguars outside hitter Gabby Liles exited a contest at Colorado Springs Christian School on Sept. 14, just six games into the season, Noel didn’t succumb to the pressure.

Liles, arguably the Jaguars’ best hitter, led the team in kills and digs in 2022 with 275 and 234, respectively.

Rather than panic, Noel and the Jaguars’ paradigm shift allowed the senior to operate with tactical precision and benefit from the tools surrounding her.

Noel finished the contest with a team-high 38 assists, 21 digs and three aces.

“Setting is a lot of mental work and decision making to figure out who to set, what’s best for the team based on what’s on the other side of the court, who our opponents are and I think that was a big adjustment I had to make,” Noel said. “I would set Gabby a lot because she was the outside (hitter). Now, having to adjust to making different decisions, setting different hitters is good because of the practice and experience I have.”

As of Tuesday, the Jaguars have a 12-match win streak and Noel also continues to build her legacy at James Irwin.

Noel has the school record for: most aces (272), assists (1,728), most assist in a season (2022 – 628), most aces for a season (2022 – 68) and most assists in a game (41 – twice).

While Noel values those accomplishments, Prusinowski said her stats “aren’t a big deal to her.”

A successful procedure, err, game, and using her tools to their fullest potential is Noel’s primary focus.

“I was just writing a college recommendation for her and I put in there that as a setter, she has the perfect attitude,” Prusinowski said. “She celebrates more when the hitters get a hit. When she gets her blocks, she’s the most excited person out there. She knows the hitters get most of the glory, but her attitude is if she can make her teammates better, that makes her the happiest.”

James Irwin senior volleyball player Breeana Noel poses for a portrait at the school’s gym on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Noel recently surpassed 1,500 assists for her varsity career. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)

Parker Seibold