2021 Club Preview: FaR Out Volleyball Club

The FaR Out Volleyball Club has proven it is one of the best club programs in the state. Gathering many of the best on the West side of the state, FaR Out doesn’t have to take a back seat to anyone. For the 2021 club season, FaR Out again looks loaded with talent and is giving some young players a chance to step up on a higher level. Here’s a breakdown of the Black squads for FaR Out in 2021. 18 Black [player_tooltip player_id="24853" first="Evelyn" last="Doezema"] Coached by Joe Steenhuysen and Jordan Drake, this squad features a variety of 2021 and 2022 players. This year, it even includes 2023 middle Kennedy ArpKennedyArp6'0" | MHSouth Christian | 2023StateMI from Grand Rapids South Christian. Leading the squad is six-rotation outside Jenna ReitsmaJennaReitsma5'11" | OHLowell | 2021StateMI (Marquette), who has established herself as one of the best in the state and can do it all on the court. She is joined on the outside by 2021 power Anna SmithAnnaSmith5'9" | OHMendon | 2021StateMI (College of Charleston), along with 2022 talents Maradith O’GormanMaradithO’Gorman6'2" | RSLakewood | 2022StateMI (Michigan State), Taylor HumphreyTaylorHumphrey6'1" | OHByron Center | 2022StateMI (Rutgers) and Evelyn DoezemaEvelynDoezema6'1" | MHGrand Rapids Christian | 2022StateMI (Michigan State). The endless power on the outside is accompanied by dominant middle play as well. Aubrey O’GormanAubreyO’Gorman6'3" | MBLakewood | 2021StateMI (Michigan State) and Anna ButlerAnnaButler5'11" | MHByron Center | 2021StateMI (North Florida) join Arp as a trio of explosive arms that can hit and block. The team also has a lot of setting options with 2021’s Lydia HarperLydiaHarper6'1" | SCaledonia | 2021StateMI (Miami-Ohio) and 2022’s Renee BrinesReneeBrines5'9" | SCadillac | 2022StateMI and Alyssa DeVries. Defensively, Abby BoyleAbbyBoyle5'7" | LByron Center | 2021StateMI (Valparaiso) and Emma HallEmmaHall5'11" | DSLowell | 2021StateMI (Gannon) will handle the load while Smith can also move to the back row when needed. This team is really talented and could be the best 18’s squad in the state, but they also have a lot of players remaining in the MHSAA playoffs. It could take some time for this team to come together and get on track, but when they do, they could push for a top 20 spot nationally. 17 Black [player_tooltip player_id="24876" first="Emily" last="Struckmeyer"] Coached by Kelly Delacher and Katie VanderMeer, this squad is comprised of all 2022 players, which is a very strong class in the Grand Rapids area. With a number of elite 2022 talents moving up to 18 Black, this squad will rely on its overall depth. On the outside, 17 Black has Calista Bremer, Emma MirabelliEmmaMirabelli6'2" | MHTC Christian | 2022StateMI, Sydney Zandstra and Sophia ShieldsSophiaShields5'10" | OHForest Hills Central | 2022StateMI. Kate Luurtsema also can play in the middle or on the outside. Olivia HowlettOliviaHowlett5'10" | MHHudsonville | 2022StateMI, Leah RogersLeahRogers6'1" | MHHudsonville | 2022StateMI, Emily StruckmeyerEmilyStruckmeyer6'0" | MHLowell | 2022StateMI and Ava YoungAvaYoung6'0" | MHRockford | 2022StateMI make up a really promising group of middles. Hannah BitelyHannahBitely5'6" | SNorthview | 2022StateMI and Mackenzie Delacher will be the setters while Carlina BenderCarlinaBender5'5" | LHudsonville | 2022StateMI and Alina Anderson are the two primary defenders. As this squad figures out the hitting lineups and matching up the right pieces, it will need to rely on its quality defenders and passers. Look for this team to pull off some upsets, but also have get upset a few times throughout the season. At their best, they should remain a top 17’s squad in the state. 16 Black [player_tooltip player_id="66296" first="Skylar" last="Bump"] Coached by Abby Monson and Brooke Francisco, this squad is comprised of all 2023 talents. This team should be lead by their steady and consistent outside hitters. Kennedy LouisellKennedyLouisell5'9" | OHForest Hills Northern | 2023MI, Sarah DunnSarahDunn5'10" | OHForest Hills Central | 2023StateMI and Taylor Stephens don’t have the size of some of their peers, but they play very consistent in all phases of the game and still show that explosive talent to compete at the highest level. Rachel SteeleRachelSteele6'0" | OHEaton Rapids | 2023MI and Meredith Simmons are also options on the outside or the middle, giving the team some flexibility. Kayla Ozanich, Aubriegh Oswald, Paige Sanders and Lizzie MacintoshLizzieMacintosh6'0" | OHRockford | 2023StateMI are also primary middles for 16 Black. Oswald missed the prep season with a knee injury, but will provide a big boost to the team when she returns around March or April. Skylar BumpSkylarBump5'7" | SLakewood | 2023StateMI and Avery PalmateerAveryPalmateer5'10" | SCaledonia | 2023MI will handle the setting and need to step up their game to help their undersized hitters finish against the length they will consistently see on the other side of the net. Defensively, Madi Derby and Abi Curtis will patrol the back row and be crucial to the team’s success as well. All-in-all, this team is a work in progress but should be among the best in the state for 16’s. Fundamental play will be important as they don’t have the size to overpower teams. 15 Black Coached by Megan Steenhuysen and Kyleigh Block, 15 Black has a roster of all 2024 talents outside of OPP Sienna Murphy. She’s part of a promising group of hitters, led by Ellie FlesEllieFles5'11" | MHSouth Christian | 2024MI a 6-foot middle/outside option. Kendall HopewellKendallHopewell5'11" | MHForest Hills Eastern | 2024MI and Mila KavaraMilaKavara6'1" | MHForest Hills Central | 2024MI are other middle/outside options that have a lot of power in their swings. Elana EricksonElanaErickson5'10" | OHForest Hills Northern | 2024MI, Avery WeslowAveryWeslow5'8" | OHForest Hills Central | 2024MI and Ava WilcoxAvaWilcox5'9" | OHLansing Catholic | 2024MI are the primary outsides for the team. All are strong passers that will compliment the defensive play of Carley PiercefieldCarleyPiercefield5'4" | LLakewood | 2024MI, Gianna BenderGiannaBender5'4" | LHudsonville | 2024MI and Hayley Carr. Piercefield is coming off an All-State season as a freshman for Lakewood and already competes again prolific hitters. Caroline BakerCarolineBaker5'8" | SByron Center | 2024MI will be the lone setter on the roster, but is very comfortable with the hitters on the roster and runs a smooth offense. This squad could contend for the best 15’s in Michigan and is eying a top 30-50 spot nationally is the finishing ability of the hitters improves throughout the season. Related: Legacy Volleyball Club Preview Related: Michigan Elite Club Preview