By Dylan Pescatore and Kaneyl Carpenter, Cronkite PR Lab
When Ames was a freshman at Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee, she was immediately taken under junior Alex Depriest’s wing. Ames said that Depriest became sort of a big sister to her and helped her navigate her freshman season.
“She was very loud and outspoken, you could hear her from a mile away,” said Ames. “We instantly became close. She was always driving me to practice and home from practice, everything.”
What Ames remembers vividly about Depriest is how she treated everybody around her. Something that she will never forget and tries to duplicate in her life.
“It didn’t matter who you were, age or anything; she was kind to everyone,” Ames said.
Sadly, their friendship was short-lived. On April 3, 2018, Depriest passed away due to diabetes complications.
“When she passed away, I had a tournament that coming weekend, and I just put a ribbon in my hair,” said Ames. “It’s not even like I put much thought into it. I just thought, I’m going to wear a pink ribbon. I didn’t know if it would stick or not for every single game. But then, it just became like you never saw me playing a game or tournament without a pink ribbon.”
Ames always knew she had to honor her friend in one way or another, and when asked why pink, she mentioned that it was Depriest’s favorite color.
Ames will always remember and cherish the memories made and hold close the time she spent with Depriest.
“The people that she met and she touched were much larger than her years of life,” said Ames.
When Ames arrived at Arizona State, she asked her teammates if she was allowed to continue her tradition of wearing the non-ASU-colored pink ribbon, which they fully supported.
Through the grieving process, the people Ames leaned on most were her family and Alex’s family, along with the Desert Vista Community.
“I still talk to them today (Alex’s parents),” Ames said.
If there was one thing Ames learned from losing her best friend, it’s to live life to the fullest.
“Life is very short and life is precious. Do not take anything for granted. Be kind to people, don't hold your grudges. Just tell people you love them because you never know what could happen,” said Ames. “I’m deeply grateful to have had Alex in my life. Her presence will forever be with me and embedded in my heart.”
Ames has just begun her senior beach volleyball season for the Sun Devils. This season's team looks a little different than previous seasons with a new head coach, Kristen Rohr, and new teammates. Ames says that she is eager for one last go around.
“There isn’t anywhere else I would rather be than a part of this team, this school. This culture is everything,” said Ames.
Ames is 44-30 in her three years with the beach volleyball team, leading the squad with a 14-9 record last season.
The beach volleyball team has many home games this season, hosting the home opener on March 1-2 and the Pac-12 South Tournament from March 8-10. The final Pac-12 Championships will also be in Tempe.
Taryn will be ready, with her pink ribbon, and her friend’s memory to guide her.