Desert Vista is shocked and saddened by the death of senior volleyball player Alex DePriest on Tuesday. She was 18.
DePriest was a libero and defensive specialist, who had the second-most digs (303) on the team last season.
She was a manager on this spring's boys volleyball team, which will honor her during its Thursday home match against Gilbert Highland by wearing pink, which was DePriest's favorite color, Desert Vista girls volleyball coach Molly West said.
"It’s tragic," West said. "The kids at school and our sister schools are rallying today by wearing DV sportswear to school."
West said that DePriest died from complications from a medical condition.
"She was a great young lady who had a funny personality that everyone enjoyed," West said.
Desert Vista Athletic Director Tommy Eubanks shared a letter that Principal Christine Barela sent to the Desert Vista community:
Dear Desert Vista Families,
It is with great sadness that I share with you that one of our beloved students, Alexandra DePriest, passed early this morning due to medical complications. We have been in touch with Alexandra’s family and let them know our Desert Vista community is here to support them. Alexandra was a member of the varsity volleyball team, Rho Kappa, manager of the boys volleyball team and an outstanding student. She was a beautiful, athletic and dynamic person that brought energy, joy, and laughter to all. She deeply cared about others and was always there to lend a helping hand. She will be missed tremendously.
Details about services will be shared with our community once information from the family is available.
Counselors are available for our students and staff.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/04/04/desert-vista-ahwatukee-community-reeling-over-death-volleyball-player-alex-depriest/486519002/