MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP – The Reeths-Puffer volleyball team will have a new look in 2023 after losing eight seniors to graduation.
While the departure number is high, the Rockets believe that they’ll still have great leadership from a handful of seniors and a strong junior class.
“This junior class is a tight knit group,” said head coach Justin Birr, who led his team to a record of 14-23-2 last year. “They have great attitudes and I think it’ll happen naturally. I think leadership won’t be a weakness.”
While the leadership is expected to be at a high standard from the start, the level of play may take a little time, given the team’s overall lack of varsity experience.
Megan Barmes
“I think practice will be important,” said Birr about getting his girls used to varsity level speed. “Some of the girls are good passers in the back row, but the passes will be super high. We want to make it lower, that way we can run a faster offense.
"We’re working on getting disciplined and ready for every ball. It’s a learning curve in practice to bring that speed and directly teach some things.”
Two seniors who will play very big roles are Megan Barmes (defensive specialist) and Natalie Kunnen (middle hitter). Unfortunately Kunnen will start the season on the injured list, but will return during the course of the fall.
“Both of them started last year,” Birr said about his small senior class. “This year we’ll look for them to grow even more.
“Megan started last season as a defensive specialist and playing intermittently in the back row. But she took over the libero position by the end of the season and her volleyball IQ has grown tremendously. She’ll make a great libero.”
Natalie Kunnen
Birr is hopeful that Kunnen, who also plays softball, will use her multi-sport versatility to have an even stronger season this year and supply some much-needed offense for the team.
“She’s what I’d call a utility player,” the coach said. “She isn’t the tallest middle hitter, but her vertical is great. Depending on our needs, she could be utilized as an outside hitter or a middle hitter. She’s smart and dynamic, so I’m excited to see her play her senior season.”
Birr expects the junior class to be led by setters Grace Darke and Maddilynn Dyer.
“It’ll be nice for us to have two setter options,” Birr said. “it’ll likely give us a chance to run a 6-2 offense.”
Grace Darke
The coach is also hoping that junior Alissa Klopp takes a strong summer performance into the regular season.
“I’ve been very impressed with her at our scrimmages,” Birr said. “We pulled her up last year to play middle and then she sprained her ankle against Zeeland East. But she is now back 100 percent and has been dominating in the front row, both offensively and blocking. I’m excited to see how our offense forms around her play.”
Another new addition to the Rocket program is assistant coach Riley Hughes, who comes to Reeths-Puffer from conference foe Zeeland West.
“She’s been great so far,” Birr said about his new assistant. “She stepped up last week and ran our whole scrimmage. We’re really excited to have her as part of the program."
Madilynn Dyer
Despite having quite a new look to the varsity squad, Birr is hoping the Rockets can grow and improve as the season progresses.
“Our goals are just hoping and looking for that growth, not only this year but into next year,” he said. “I see that as a huge opportunity for our program because this core group will have two seasons together. We have to realize we can invest two years into this and push as a team.
“But we also have to push for this season and have goals for this year, as well. It’s a huge year for the seniors and they’ve earned the chance to play more volleyball. I think they were a little overshadowed last year, but I believe they’ll shine even more this year.”
