Determined to outperform last year’s team both on and off the court, the Rock Valley volleyball girls have set multiple goals for themselves this season. Looking at the team through the eyes of Kristy Pierce and players Sarah Speer (right-side hitter) and Miriam Hernandez (libero), the girls are ready to work hard and play even harder to meet their goals.
This weekend was especially important to the volleyball team, as they hosted a tournament at their home court. Finally able to connect with each other, the team won all four matches this past weekend.
“This weekend we improved a lot as a team”, commented Speer, “…we have bonded on and off the court.”
A large reason for the team’s success comes from new head coach Kristy Peirce. Coach Pierce has been the head coach of the Rock Valley Volleyball team for the past two years, after coaching at East High School. With 35 years of experience under her belt, Pierce led the volleyball team to The NJCAA Division Nationals last year for the first time in six years. She, as well as the players, are looking forward to the high level of competition, and hope to place even higher at Nationals this year.
Pierce adds, “I wanted to coach at Rock Valley College because of the highly competitive athletics and academics… more people should embrace sports in community college, there are big opportunities.”
Rock Valley provides amazing opportunities for these athletes to pursue the sport they love at a relatively low cost. The financial advantages of attending RVC are incredible for such a high level of talent.
Hernandez commented on the astonishing level of individual athletic talent displayed on the volleyball court. The team is looking to put RVC on the list of top junior colleges in the area. The girls said their goal is to strike fear in the hearts of their opponents when they hear “Rock Valley College”.
The opportunities that these athletes receive make a great impact on their lives.
Hernandez, being in the nursing program, suggested that Rock Valley is a great place to pursue what she loves along with playing volleyball. Though not gifted scholarship money, the girls explain their thankfulness for the free apparel and meals that are often provided.
Academics play a large role on the RVC Volleyball team, and for all of Rock Valley’s athletics as well. The teams are competing against each other for the highest cumulative GPA. Hernandez expressed that their goal was to win the competition for the highest GPA, especially “beating the softball girls”. Coach Kristy Pierce is confident that the girls will take the win this year due to their dedication to schoolwork.
The RVC volleyball team is determined to give everything they have in order to achieve their goals. The team uses the hashtag #heartoverhype to motivate themselves during hard practices and games. The girls expressed their gratitude to anyone who supports the team, and they hope to see students and family packing the stands for their games as well.
For the RVC Women’s Volleyball schedule, visit: https://rvcsports.com/schedule.aspx?path=wvball
