Reeths-Puffer took its lumps in 2024 in a beastly O-K Green Conference that produced three district champions among its six teams. Despite that and the loss of eight seniors to graduation, sixth-year Rockets' coach Justin Birr and assistant Riley Hughes believe the team is poised to improve this season.
"I feel like we are finally getting to the point where we are working towards a common goal as a program," Birr said. "Seeing our gym for high school tryouts this year compared to when I started coaching, we are certainly more competitive program-wide. The O-K Green is still a monster this year, but I would love to have a few upsets against some top-tier teams. I think our program is poised to do that this year."
If those upsets do come, a trio of top seniors will likely be a big reason. Mairyn Peterson and Makayla Disselkoen are the team's top returning offensive threats. Both were middle hitters a year ago, though Disselkoen is slated to move to the outside this year, making room for talented varsity newcomer Peyton Radel and further unleashing her own skills. Carlee Bowen is back at libero, and her "relentless hustle," Birr said, makes her a big defensive asset.
"Mairyn has really stepped into a leadership role for this team during the offseason, and she is the perfect person to lead this team," Birr said. "She is always a competitor and always trying to improve her game while also keeping the team first."
Fellow senior Abby Machinski brings a changeup effect to the right side, and Birr said she has worked to sharpen her game this offseason.
Radel, a sophomore, earned her spot at outside hitter due to her consistency, and junior Annabelle Darke is the other notable newcomer set to make waves. She'll take on an outside hitter/defensive specialist role.
"Annabelle brings big time energy to the court, and she gives it her all every play, even in practice," Birr said. "Her work ethic combined with her sense of humor make her very fun to coach...(Peyton) has everything figured out mechanically, and she is terminating the ball way more than a year ago. I am excited to see her make an impact on our offense and our blocking."
The O-K Green hasn't gotten any easier, and Byron Center, Caledonia, Jenison and Mona Shores will continue to be formidable foes. Birr is hopeful his team can close the gap with the top four in the league. He's been mindful of creating a competitive atmosphere in practice and sharpening the team's skills, so as to not mess with what he thinks are strong mechanics his players already have.
"The girls worked on setting some team goals last week, and none of the goals were about wins and losses," Birr said. "They were about improvement as a team and as individuals. When looking at how to get there, I need to be more intentional during practices in creating meaning and fostering competitiveness."
