LAST YEAR: The Rockets finished with a 19-21 overall record and were 2-8 in the O-K Green conference standings, which put them in fifth place. They lost to Grand Haven in the first round of Division 1 districts.
RETURNING TO THE ROSTER: The Rockets return three starters from last year’s lineup. Sophomores Lexie Danz (outside hitter) and Kate Tindall (setter) were two outstanding freshmen last year who are ready to take their game to the next level. Junior Peyton Radel, a middle blocker, also returns to her starting role.
The fourth returning player is Wren Tryska, a right outside hitter and the only senior on the young team. She provides a lot of energy and leadership to her younger teammates.
LOTS OF NEW FACES: A lot of new players will step in and play very significant roles for the Rockets right away. Junior Addison Whitaker is an outside hitter, right side hitter and defensive specialist who will be very important. Her versatility, leadership and energy are vital to the team.
Junior Addison Deiters and freshman Leah Zuniga are liberos/defensive specialists who will help control the pace of the attack. Sophomore Mackenzie Danz, Lexi’s twin sister, will join the varsity this year as an outside hitter.
Sophomore Makayla Jewett, who made a name for herself as a freshman pitcher on the R-P softball team in the spring, is a big middle hitter and will be an important player at the net.
Also new to the team and looking to make an impact are juniors Pressley Schalk and Elsie Howard. Junior River Bouwman is currently injured.
A ROSTER TO BUILD ON: New head coach Syann Fairfield is starting a rebuilding project of sorts, and has good material to work with over time. The R-P roster consists of only one senior, along with six juniors, four sophomores and one freshman. That leaves a lot of time for most of the players to develop their skills, for this season and beyond.
FIRST COMPETITION: Friday at the Coopersville Invitational.
COACH COMMENT: “This group’s strengths are culture and grit. It has been such a joy stepping in and working with a group of athletes who love each other and love to work hard. They’ve been grinding since June and I’m so grateful to coach here.” – Syann Fairfield 
