Iowa State HS All Tournament Team Players
Congratulations to the many Iowa Rockets players and their high school teams at the 2022 Iowa State HS State Tournament!! Iowa Rockets players were well represented coming from 9 different area high school teams. Of these 38 Rockets players at the tournament 4 were selected for the All Tournament team in their respective classes:
- Shelby Kimm
- Chloe Cline
- Bliss Beck
- Meg Berkland
Congratulations Iowa Rockets Players in Your High School Season
We are proud of our many, many Iowa Rockets players who helped their high school teams. Along the way they received many awards and recognitions!! Here is a list of the Iowa Rockets players and their accolades. (Please contact Iowa Rockets if you have additional recognition which we may have missed.)
| Abbey Bence | West Burlington HS | Sr. |
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| Addison Gileson | Clear Creek Amana HS | Jr. |
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| Alaina Greenlee | Iowa City West HS | Sr |
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| Allie Barlow | CR Jefferson HS | Sr. |
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| Aly Stahle | Solon HS | Jr. |
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| Amiya Smallwood | Sigourney HS | Jr. |
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| Asta Hildebrand | Iowa City Liberty HS | So. |
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| Aubrey Luvan | CR Jefferson HS | Sr. |
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| Ava Czarnecki | Lisbon HS | Jr. |
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| Ava Morrison | West Liberty HS | So. |
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| Avery Lower | Clear Creek Amana HS | Fr. |
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| Avery Van Hook | Marion HS | Sr. |
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| Bliss Beck | Clear Creek Amana HS | Jr. |
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| Brooke Ellyson | Mt Vernon HS | Jr. |
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| Brooklyn Buysse | West Liberty HS | Sr. |
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| Caitlin Jensen | North Cedar HS | Sr. |
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| Chloe Cline | Pleasant Valley HS | Sr. |
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| Clare Mulholland | Northeast HS | So. |
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| Emily Dooley | Marion HS | Sr. |
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| Emma Slings | CR Jefferson HS | Sr. |
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| Emily Hemphill | Wapello HS | Jr. |
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| Emmy McComas | Iowa City HS | So. |
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| Gabby Deery | Burlington Notre Dame | Sr. |
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| Grace Coble | WACO HS | Sr. |
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| Grace Erwin | Solon HS | Jr. |
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| Isabelle Ritter | West Burlington HS | Sr. |
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| Izzy Roorda | Montezuma HS | Jr. |
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| Jessie Julius | Williamsburg HS | Sr. |
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| Kenna Marlow | West Burlington HS | Sr. |
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| Kezia McQuillen | Monticello HS | Jr. |
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| Lauren Koch | Iowa City HS | Jr. |
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| Leighton Messinger | Washington HS | Fr. |
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| Lilly Bergren | Fairfield HS | So. |
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| Logan Keller | CPU HS | So. |
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| Madelyn Falco | West Branch HS | So. |
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| Mandy Chizek | Belle Plain HS | Sr. |
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| Mariah Rollins | Iowa City Liberty HS | Jr. |
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| Meg Berkland | Clear Creek Amana HS | Jr. |
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| Melae Lacy | Iowa City West HS | Jr. |
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| Michaela Goad | Marion HS | Jr. |
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| Monica Morales | West Liberty HS | Sr. |
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| Natalie Hartman | Marion HS | Jr. |
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| Paeton Hyde | Galena HS | Sr. |
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| Peyton Johnson | Marion HS | Sr. |
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| Presley Myers | Holy Trinity Catholic | Fr. |
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| Reese Naeve | Regina Catholic | Fr. |
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| Ruby McDonough | Iowa City HS | Sr. |
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| Shelby Kimm | Iowa City Liberty HS | Sr. |
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| Sidney Slay | Iowa City HS | Jr. |
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| Sophia Armstrong | West Burlington HS | Sr. |
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| Sophie Buysse | West Liberty HS | So. |
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| Sydney Wagner | Regina Catholic | Sr. |
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| Taylor Ray | CR Prairie HS | Sr. |
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| Zaria Larsen | CR Jefferson HS | Jr. |
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Click the group picture to see MORE photos.
Rockets 4v4 League Always a Great Time
Iowa Rockets Jr HS 4s League for 2022 It’s a wrap! All the players had a GREAT time at the Iowa Rockets Jr HS 4v4 tournament! Great rallies, great competition, great friends! Enjoy the pics of some of the teams. Thank you for attending and we’ll see you again NEXT YEAR for the Iowa Rockets … Read more
Iowa Rockets Volleyball and Summer Tryouts
Although the next volleyball club season is months away, there is a stir with early tryouts. This is confusing and stressful for players – and parents. Your best protection is to be well-informed and to understand things as you navigate your way through the tryout and commitment process.
Iowa Rockets does not have Summer Tryouts.
We feel this is a time for players and families to take a break from the hustle and stress of competitive volleyball. Use this time for family vacation, or explore off-season activities. School volleyball season will be upon us soon enough. There is no need to fill the summer months with undue worry and stress.
Summer tryouts are fraught with uncertainty and risk. A lot can happen in the 3 months between now and when club season actually starts. Injuries, coaches and players moving out of the area, high school season that causes a player’s focus to change or perhaps wanting to concentrate on another sport, college commitments that change what a player wants, etc. Also, we have seen a lot of partial teams form in the summer only to fold in the fall because they could not fill all the positions. It’s best to make your commitment closer to the actual time that you will be starting, to reduce risk and uncertainty.
Lastly, a club cannot force you to accept an early offer before you are ready. Iowa Region volleyball protects you against this. If a club really wants you (a) ask them to send you the official Iowa Region Online Commitment offer via email and (b) ask them to give you the time you need to make an informed decision.
Enjoy your summer and work hard this coming school season.
If you would like to learn more about Iowa Rockets or tryouts contact us and we can chat!
15 Iowa Rockets Teams to Nationals
Congratulation to the 15 Iowa Rockets teams who attended Nationals tournaments this season. This includes Phoenix: Iowa Rockets 18R and 18-1, Orlando: Iowa Rockets 16 Black and 15-1, Indianapolis: Iowa Rockets 17R, 17-1, 16R, 16-1, 15R, 15 Black, 14R, 14 Black, 13 Black, 12 Black, and 11 Black. These teams qualified for Nationals with outstanding finishes at Iowa Regions (3 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS, 2 second place finish, 1 third place finish). The teams showed great strength at Nationals at every age group. This included Gold Bracket finishes for 4 teams, Silver Bracket finish for 1 team, and Bronze Bracket finishes for 5 teams.
- Iowa Rockets 18R – Bronze Bracket, 17th place overall in National Division (Phoenix) 6 wins / 2 losses
- Iowa Rockets 17R – Bronze Bracket, 19th place overall in National Division with 7 wins and 3 losses
- Iowa Rockets 171 – Gold Bracket, 5th place overall
- Iowa Rockets 161 – Bronze Bracket 18th place overall
- Iowa Rockets 16 Black – 63rd out of 188 teams
- Iowa Rockets 15R – Bronze Bracket 13th place overall in Liberty Division with 7 wins and 3 losses
- Iowa Rockets 151 – Gold Bracket, 5th place overall (Orlando) with 11 wins and 1 loss
- Iowa Rockets 14R – Gold Bracket, 5th place overall in National Division with 8 wins and 1 loss
- Iowa Rockets 14 Black – Gold Bracket, 5th place overall
- Iowa Rockets 13 Black – Silver Bracket 11th place overall in USA Division with 7 wins and 2 losses
- Iowa Rockets 11 Black – Bronze Bracket 19th place overall in National Division
Iowa HP Camp Filled with Rockets
The Iowa High Performance camp is always chalked with talent from across Iowa. The camp includes 11s – 17s ages. I understand there were about 400 players (including boys) at the camp. Iowa Rockets always sends a strong contingent of players. This year, is not exception. Congratulations to the 22 Iowa Rockets players for being selected and participating in the Iowa Region High Performance camp: Caylee Jensen, Zane Ehler, Audrey Small, Izzy McDonald, Ava Carlson, Ellie Farmer, Bailey Simpson, Ellie Wilson, Edie Miller, Hadley Miller, Addi Allaman, Sophia Austen, Reese Naeve, Emily Henderson, Kennedy Whitford, Izzy Kremer, Gabby Morales, Monica Morales, Brianna Henning, Emmy McComas, Molly Albrecht and Joslyn Mehaffy.
15 Iowa Rocket Teams to Nationals
2021-22 was another great season for Iowa Rockets VBC. All 20 Rockets teams had a ton of FUN and success this year. A quick peak at the Rockets Tournament page show super finishes by ALL the Rockets teams from Phoenix to Indiana. A quick peak at the Rockets Facebook or Instagram or the Rockets Weekend page show smiles and hugs on and off the court. This season Rockets added 3 more Qualifying Regional champions (11 Black, 14R and 17R) in addition to 2nd or 3rd place finishes by 13 Black, 16R and 18R and non-Qualifying finishes of 1st (14 Gold), 3rd (13 Gold), 3rd (15 Black). Additionally, at National Qualifiers Rockets teams finished very well: 2nd in USA (13 Black), 3rd in Open (14R), 2nd in Freedom (15R) , 6th in Open (17R). All in all, Iowa Rockets has 15 teams who are completing at Nationals in Phoenix or Indianapolis or Orlando!!
Rockets Earn 2 More Bids to Nationals
Rockets shine at Show Me Qualifier!! Iowa Rockets qualify 2 more teams for USAV Nationals this past week. 18-1 will be headed to Phoenix along with Iowa Rockets 18R for the 18s Nationals this weekend. Iowa Rockets 15R captured 2nd place at Show Me Qualifier to earn their bid to the GJNC tournament in Indianapolis. … Read more
Ready for the BIG GAME??
Rockets teams showing their strength before the big game this weekend!! Check out the Rockets Blast schedules & good luck with the football thing, too.
Rockets Blast schedules and information for Sunday February 13th are now available. Please check back on the day before the tournament for any last minute changes.
Thank you to everybody who attended Rockets Blast I on February 5th and 6th. It was a smashing success!! Glad everybody had a great time.
Please note we must adhere to the Covid safety protocols of the gyms we are using for Rockets Blast. We recommend everybody wear a mask while in the buildings. However, the City of Iowa City requires the following while at Mercer Aquatic Center (Scanlon Gym): A mask is required in the lobby, hallways, team camp area and bathrooms. It is recommended that you wear it inside the gym (but not required) and girls may lower their masks during play. Team camp space and especially bleacher space is limited; so we recommend that spectators leave the gym or facility when not playing. There will be 1 table for each team camp in the team camp area. Please keep your camp small and do not mix with other teams.
Congratulations Kora Ruff – Gatorade Player of the Year
Kora Ruff was selected as the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year!! Congratulations on a stellar high school career with the Pleasant Valley Spartans. Read more about Kora and the team.
Hangin’ with the Globetrotters
Look who Iowa Rockets 12 Black team ran into at Xtream!! Having a great time at practice and hangin’ out with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Merry Christmas From Iowa Rockets
Wishing everybody a Very Volley Christmas!
Iowa Rockets BLAST!
Tournament sign-up is right around the corner. We are pleased to announce the dates for 2021 Iowa Rockets Blast tournaments. We are over 3 dates this year and will again be using the new, spacious Green State Fieldhouse / Xtream arena and University of Iowa Fieldhouse.
- Saturday, Feb 5th (5 courts)
- 12s Power division
- 13 Qualifying division
- Sunday, Feb 6th (8 courts)
- 11s & 12s Gold division
- 14 Qualifying division
15 Qualifying division
- Sunday, Feb 13th (16 courts)
- 13 Gold division
- 14 Gold division
- 15 Gold division
- 16/17 Gold division
- 16 Qualifying division
- 17 Qualifying division
- 18 Qualifying division
Teams may pre-register for the qualifying divisions. Send email with your request on/before Thursday, Dec 2nd. Reserve your spot before they are gone!
Iowa Rockets Player High School Recognition
Congratulation to the Iowa Rockets players who earned honors on their high school teams. Over 50 players garnered awards at the conference, district, state, and their local area. Special congratulations to Macy Daufeldt as Volleyball Co-Player of the Year for the state of Iowa and as 3A Player of the Year, Kora Ruff as the 5A player of the year, and Gabby Deery as 1A player of the year. We are very proud of all our Iowa Rockets players, their teams and their accomplishments in the 2021 High School Season. *
| Player | High School | Grade | Award |
| Abby Bence | West Burlington HS | Jr. |
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| Addison Gisleson | Clear Creek Amana HS | So. |
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| Alexis Moses | CR Prairie HS | Sr. |
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| Allie Barlow | CR Jefferson HS | Jr. |
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| Ally Harris | CR Kennedy HS | Sr. |
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| Arra Cottrell | Pleasent Valley HS | Sr. |
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| Asta Hildebrand | Iowa City Liberty HS | Fr. |
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| Aubrey Luvan | Jefferson HS | Jr. |
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| Ava Czarnecki | Lisbon HS | So. |
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| Avery Van Hook | Marion HS | Jr. |
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| Bliss Beck | Clear Creek Amana HS | So. |
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| Brooke Ellyson | Mt Vernon HS | So. |
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| Brooklyn Buysse | West Liberty HS | Jr. |
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| Caitlin Jensen | North Cedar HS | Jr. |
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| Calia Clubb | Clear Creek Amana HS | Sr. |
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| Carlie Schroeder | Iowa City Liberty HS | Sr. |
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| Chloe Cline | Pleasent Valley HS | Jr. |
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| Claire Montgomary | Tipton HS | Fr. |
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| Elise Mehaffy | Marion HS | Sr. |
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| Ella McLaughlin | North Scott HS | Sr. |
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| Ella Ramsay | Moline HS | Sr. |
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| Emily Hemphill | Wapello HS | So. |
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| Emmy McComas | Iowa City HS | Fr. |
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| Gabby Deery | Burlington Notre Dame | Jr. |
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| Gabie Schoreder | Iowa City Liberty HS | Sr. |
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| Grace Coble | WACO HS | Jr. |
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| Gracie Goad | Marion HS | Sr. |
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| Jessie Julius | Williamsburg HS | Jr. |
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| Katherine Kouba | Iowa City West HS | Sr. |
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| Kelsey Drake | Wilton HS | Sr. |
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| Kenna Marlow | West Burlington HS | Jr. |
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| Kora Ruff | Pleasent Valley HS | Sr. |
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| Lily Simpson | Iowa City Regina | Sr. |
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| Macy Daufeldt | West Liberty HS | Sr. |
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| Makayla Ribble | Iowa City HS | Sr. |
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| Mandy Chizek | Belle Plain HS | Jr. |
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| Mariah Rollins | Iowa City Liberty HS | So. |
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| Maya Benhart | North Cedar HS | So. |
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| Meg Berkland | Clear Creek Amana HS | So. |
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| Melae Lacy | Iowa City West HS | So. |
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| Michaela Goad | Marion HS | So. |
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| Molly Joyner | CR Kennedy HS | Sr. |
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| Monica Morales | West Liberty HS | Jr. |
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| Natalie Hartman | Marion HS | So. |
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| Shelby Kimm | Iowa City Liberty HS | Jr. |
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| Sophia Armstrong | West Burlington HS | Jr. |
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| Sophie Buysse | West Liberty HS | Fr. |
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| Yasmine Sell | Solon HS | Jr. |
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| Zaria Larsen | CR Jefferson HS | Jr. |
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* We apologize for omissions in the above list. Please send us an email for corrections or additions.
Iowa Rockets Home-made Apple Pie
Iowa Rockets will be making their famous Apple Pies on Saturday, Dec 4th. Please contact any Iowa Rockets player to place your order.
Congratulations – Iowa Rockets 16R National Runner-up!
Congratulations to Iowa Rockets 16R who captured 2nd place at the USA Volleyball National Championship held in Las Vegas in July. Iowa Rockets teams were very well represented with 7 teams making the trip to the national tournament in Las Vegas. Congratulations to Iowa Rockets 12 Black, 13 Black, 14R, 15R, 16R and 171 for a great season and representing Iowa at Nationals.
In other national news, congratulations to Iowa Rockets 17R for finishing 13th overall at the AAU National volleyball tournament in the Open Division and Iowa Rockets 14 Black who finished 9th place in Orlando in June.
Iowa Rockets 16R is National Runner-up for 2021
Iowa Rockets 17R captures 13th in Open at AAU Nationals in Orlando
16R Qualifies (again) and 14Black to Nationals
Congratulations to Iowa Rockets 16R who captured 1st place at Colorado Crossroads National Qualifier in Denver, CO. The team went undefeated on the 3-day tournament finishing 10 match wins, without dropping a set. Top finishers in the tournament qualify for USAV Nationals in Las Vegas, NV this June. However, 16R previously qualified for Nationals with their 3rd place finish at Windy City National Qualifier earlier this year.
Congratulations to Iowa Rockets 14 Black to captured 1st place at the Central Area AAU Super Regional held in Peoria, IL on May 22-23. The team went undefeated on the weekend. Finishing 1st place awards the team entry into AAU Volleyball Nationals in Orlando, FL in mid-June. 14 Black will join 17R who will also be attending AAU Nationals this year.
USAV 18s Nationals, Columbus, OH – Iowa Rockets 18R
USAV Nationals, Las Vegas, NV – Iowa Rockets 12Black, 13 Black, 14R, 15-1, 15R, 16R, 17-1.
AAU Nationals, Orlando, FL – Iowa Rockets 14 Black, 17R
Iowa Rockets 16R undefeated at Crossroads
Iowa Rockets 14 Black undefeated at AAU Super Regional
Previous news, Iowa Rockets 16R and Iowa Rockets 15 Black take 1 and 2 at the 2021 Diggin’ in the Dells tournament. Iowa Rockets 15 Black defeated WVC 15s from Minnesota, STL Crossfire SR1 and STL Crossfire SR2 from Missouri, Dodge United 15s from Wisconsin, Dubuque Elite from Iowa, before losing to Club Red 15 Red from Wisconsin. Also in the Dells, Iowa Rockets 16R captured 1st place in the 17s division – going undefeated on the weekend. They defeated teams from Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota – defeating KEVC 17-1 and KEVC 16-1 in the semi’s and finals.
Iowa Rockets 16R and 15 Black finish 1 and 2 at 2021 Mizuno Diggin in the Dells
Katherine & Elise – Again
Congratulations to Elise Mahaffy and Katherine Kouba who played at the Beach Nationals qualifier tournament in Omaha this past weekend. The duo finished 3rd in the 18s divsion and earned a bid to Beach Nationals in Ft Lauderdale, FL on July 13-15.
Iowa Rockets BEACH Volleyball
Time for FUN in the SUN. Iowa Rockets will have Beach Volleyball clinics on Mondays and Fridays.
More Beach Volleyball news. Congratulations to Elise Mahaffy and Katherine Kouba who played at the Beach Nationals qualifier tournament in Oklahoma City this past weekend. The duo earned a bid to Beach Nationals in Pompano Beach, FL at the end of July.
Speaking of Beach Volleyball – Congratulations to Claire Overton (Rockets alum) who plays beach volleyball for University of Tampa. She and her teammates were recently crowned the National Champions for NCAA Beach Volleyball. Claire is #21 below and will be a guest coach at Rockets Beach clinics!!
Iowa Rockets Regional Champions
Iowa Rockets teams had a great weekend at the Iowa Regionals #2 weekend. The weekend consisted on 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s, and 15s qualifying divisions. Rockets teams showed their strength by placing one or two teams in the top 4 in each age group. This weekend results:
- 11 Black: 3rd place overall
- 12 Black: Champions
- 13 Black: Champions
- 14 R: 4rd place overall
- 15R: 3rd place overall
- 15-1: 4th place overall
All in all Iowa Rockets tallied 4 First Place finishes (18R, 17R, 13 Black, 12 Black), 3 Third Place Finishes (11 Black, 16R, 15R), and 3 Fourth Place Finishes (17-1, 15-1, 14R). Current count for teams qualifying for USAV Nationals is: 7 Teams!!
11 Black 3rd place overall
12 Black Region Champions
13 Black Region Champions
Hope you have a GREEN (and gold) St Patrick’s Day
Champions – Iowa Regionals 18R
Champions – Iowa Regionals 17R
Third Place – Iowa Regionals 16R
Another Rockets Weekend
- 11 Black: 3rd at QC Volleyball Factory
- 12 Black: 1st at TBK 13’s
- 12 Gold: Tied 3rd at TBK
- 12 Silver: 2nd at TBK
- 13 Black: 1st at Heartland Sports 14’s
- 13-1: 2nd at QC Volleyball Factory
- 13 Gold: Tied 5th at Heartland Sports 14’s
- 14R: Finished 1-2 at Adrenaline Tourney
- 14R: 2nd at Heartland Sports 15’s
- 14 Black: 1st at Corridor Courts 15’s
- 14 Gold: Tied 3rd at Heartland Sports 15’s
- 15R: 5-1 at Adrenaline Tourney
- 15 Black: 2nd at Corridor Court’s 15’s
- 16R: 5-1 at Adrenaline Tourney
- 16-1: Tied 5th at TBK 17/18’s
- 16 Black: 1st at Corridor Courts
- 17R: 1st in Silver at Nebraska Elite Power League (Open)
- 17-1: 5-1 at Adrenaline Tourney
- 17 Black: 1st at Beyond the Baseline Tourney
- 17 Black: Tied 3rd at Clinton Tourney
- 18R: 1-2 at Adrenaline Tourney
- 18-1: Tied 3rd at TBK
17 Black 1st place Beyond the Baseline Tourney
Iowa Rockets 12s sweep Rockets blast. 12 Black 1st, 12 Gold 2nd, 12 Silver 3rd.
12 Gold finishing 2nd Place at Rockets Blast I
13 Black Champions at Rockets Blast
15Black Champions Rockets Blast
12 Black Champions Rockets Blast
14 Black Champions Heartland 16s Tournament
14R Champions TBK 15s Tourney
Another Rockets weekend
Congratulations to Rockets teams for their performance this past weekend. Here’s a recap:
- 12 Silver- 1st Place – Beyond the Baseline Tourney
- 13 Black – 1st Place – Heartland 14s Tourney
- 13 Gold – 1st Place – Corridor Courts Tourney
- 15-1 – 1st Place – Corridor Courts Tourney
- 15 Black – 1st Place consolation – Six Pack Tourney
- 16R – 5-0 record at PrepDig Quad City Clash
- 16-1 – 2nd Place – Frostbite Festival
- 16Black – Tied 3rd Place – Six Pack Tourney
- 17R – 5-0 record at PrepDig Quad City Clash
- 17-1 – 5-0 record at PrepDig Quad City Clash
- 18R – 5-0 record at PrepDig Quad City Clash
- 18-1 – 1st Place – Frostbite Festival
16-1 Finishing in 2nd Place at Frostbite Festival
17-1 Prep Dig Quad City Clash 5-0 on the weekend
16R Prep Dig Quad City Clash 15-0 sets on the weekend
15-1 Champions at Corridor Courts Tourney
13 Gold Champions at Corridor Courts Tourney
18-1 Champions at Frostbite Tournament, Rochester, MN
Rockets Champs at Soph Tourney
Iowa Rockets players had a great time at the Iowa Select Soph Tourney on Oct 18th. The team was composed of Rockets players and friends for this one-day event. The event featured school and club teams from Iowa and Illinois. Congratulation to these 14s players for a nice tournament. Players below – sporting retro-Rockets gear (Top Left: Joslynn, Kate, Asta, Emee, Bottom Row: Reese, Dakota, Jaden and Sophie. Not pictured coaches Taylor and Meghan).
Iowa Rockets Players at Iowa Select Soph Tourney
Pictures from the past – any faces you recognize??
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