LAST YEAR: After nearly winning a conference title in 2024, the Rockets struggled with a young and inexperienced lineup last season and finished 4-14 overall and 3-8 in conference play. They won a regional game in the postseason, 16-12 over Coopersville, then were eliminated by Forest Hills Northern.
RETURNING STARTERS: The Rockets have two main players back from last year. The first is big-scoring senior attacker Cohen Beck, who earned All-Conference honors last year and set a new R-P record with nine goals in one game. “He isn't afraid to shoot,” said R-P head coach Josh Robidoux. “If he has free hands, he'll take the shot. He also has the most experience of anyone on the team playing at the varsity level, so his lacrosse IQ is always improving.” The other top returner is junior midfielder Braeden Monette, who Robidoux calls a “great all-around player who is willing to do whatever it takes for the team.”
ALSO RETURNING: Senior midfielders Trent Plummer and Blake Kiel and sophomore midfielders Hunter Adams, Gabe Feirick, Sheldon Frederick and Jerry Kinsella also return from last year. Plummer is a strong defensive player, Kiel is a fast and explosive player who could score a lot of goals after missing most of last season due to injury, and Adams will contribute even more after being called up to varsity last year as a freshman. Feirick, Frederick and Kinsella also have varsity experience and could play big roles this season.
MOST PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Sophomore attacker Troy Swingley, who could develop into an offensive force; freshman Jax Sieplinga, a great faceoff guy; sophomore midfielder Garrison Niklasch, who brings strength and physicality to the lineup; and Jaxon Flora, who will be the new starting goalie.
BACK TO ADD A LOT OF DEPTH: Four seniors who did not play last year are back to add a lot of needed depth to the R-P lineup – Cal Millis, mostly known as a football standout, will provide a lot of muscle on the field, along with defenders Bryce Shaver, Kaeden Benner and Waylon Kevern.
ROSTER BREAKDOWN: The Rockets plan to be very competitive this year, but are also continuing to develop for the future, with a balanced roster that includes 9 seniors, 11 juniors, 7 sophomores and 3 freshmen.
STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES: The Rockets had a severe lack of midfielders last year, but will automatically be stronger with an abundance of guys playing offensive and defensive midfield positions this spring. One cautionary note for the team is that some players who have the potential to score a lot of goals lack varsity experience, so that could be a question mark.
SEASON OPENER: Wednesday at Jenison.
COACH QUOTE: “We're ready to battle this year. We have a number of challenging games, and a long stretch of road games before spring break, but we know how important these early games are this year. Our team composition looks completely different this year.” – Josh Robidoux.