The Rockets return Little 8 All-Conference second team players Kayla Rocholl (libero) and Shaynah Smith (middle hitter), along with junior Brooke Hovland (outside hitter) who was an honorable mention choice.  Seniors Ally Johnson (middle hitter) and Ceri Meech (outside hitter) are also back.

“Our strength will be in our defense,” assessed Coach Diane Ross, now in her 33rd year as a volleyball head coach.  “We have both middle blockers, Shaynah Smith and Ally Johnson returning, as well as our Libero, Kayla Rocholl.  Our team has put in many hours in the off season improving their overall strength and speed.  It’s a fun group with tons of energy.  Junior Reese Richards will be counted on for the setting position and sophomore Josey Bugbee will play a larger role on the right side this year.”

Juniors Lydia Baker and Libby Nelson will be vying for spots, along with sophomores Brianna Evavold and Amber Frigaard.

Ross will be assisted by Breck Grove, Kali Koehn and Carly Jensen at the high school level, while Desi Frie and Miranda Leroy will handle the junior high coaching duties.

Ross points to Brandon-Evansville as the top team in the Little Eight Conference, while New York Mills, Henning, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley and Wadena-Deer Creek will join the Chargers as tough teams in Section 6A.