about US
Desert Valley Sports is a non profit. Our mission is to provide increased opportunities for young athletes to engage in competitive play, develop their skills, and build lasting friendships by organizing and supporting a local border league that feeds into southern Utah's local high schools. We are dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive environment for athletes of all skill levels. Our programs focus on promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal development, both on and off the field.
Meet the Team
Desert Valley Sports Board of Directors
VP/Founder
Paula Jardine
Paula Jardine has spent the last 20 years coaching youth in various sports (the last 12 years dedicated solely to coaching volleyball) and mentoring other coaches at camps and in a consultant role. Paula’s most recent accolade is winning 4 consecutive girl’s volleyball state championships with Lone Peak High School (2 as the Varsity Assistant and 2 as the program’s head coach). Paula’s Club V 14’s (2021) placed 1st at AAU Junior Nationals in the Open division. Paula played both volleyball and basketball at Dixie College. Paula and her husband, Rich (Dixie High alum), are the proud parents of 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
Paula currently serves as the head coach of the SLC Mens Apex Volleyball team.
President/Founder
Jessica Young
Originally from the California central coast, Jessica developed a passion for both indoor and outdoor (sand) volleyball at a young age. Her dedication and talent earned her a full volleyball scholarship.
With her extensive cross training in sand volleyball, Jessica had the opportunity to travel and compete in various sand tournaments during the summers. This experience seamlessly transitioned to the indoor courts, where she has played in every indoor position throughout her volleyball career. Jessica's love for the sport has taken her across the United States and even abroad, allowing her to establish connections with coaches and professional athletes from around the world.
Alongside her athletic pursuits, Jessica is also an entrepreneur, owning several of her own small businesses. Jessica is always looking for ways to improve the community and the lives of those around her.
Jessica is happily married to her husband Andrew of 16 years, and the proud mother of three girls. Recently relocated from California to St. George Utah.
Treasurer/Founder
Janna Waters
I’m originally from California and played college volleyball at the University of California Riverside as a setter and an outside hitter. I went straight into coaching after graduating college. I have coached at the college level down to 13s and for the most prestigious teams in California (Torrey Pines High School and Wave Volleyball Club). I have about 30 years of coaching experience. I also coached for Gold Medal Squared as one of their Lead Coaches where I would travel around the US to train high school programs and coaches. Moved to St George about 6 years ago and coached a year for Dixie varsity, currently do most of the technical training for Ignite out in Hurricane, and do private volleyball lessons around town.
Happily married to my husband Ryan and spend all my free time being a mom to my son Brett who is 6 years old and is very active.
