2022 Club Profile: FaR Out 18 & 17 Black
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FaR Out Volleyball Club isn’t one that wants to take a backseat to anyone in the state. Year after year, this group collects many of the best from the Grand Rapids/Lansing area. This year, things are starting pretty strongly for…
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Continue ReadingFaR Out Volleyball Club isn’t one that wants to take a backseat to anyone in the state.
Year after year, this group collects many of the best from the Grand Rapids/Lansing area.
This year, things are starting pretty strongly for the top squads of FaR Out.
The 18 and 17 Black squads are already showcasing a lot of tempo and success on a regional level, as they both hope to break into the national discussion.
Here’s a look at what both squads are bringing to the table this season.
18 Black
This group had a good start to its club season with a 4-1 run during the opening weekend of the Mideast Power League in Louisville early in January. 18 Black has a lot of new pieces this year, but still very talented. Coached by Joe Steenhuysen, FaR Out won’t be lacking in size. Outside Maradith O’Gorman Maradith O’Gorman 6'2" | RS Lakewood | 2022 State #24 Nation MI (Michigan State) can dominate anywhere on the floor, but has really improved on her passing game, which should be a big asset this club season. Outside Kennedy Louisell Kennedy Louisell 6'0" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2023 State #140 Nation MI had a huge prep season and is one of five 2023 prospects to join 18 Black this year. Louisell really can lift her profile this year, playing against some of the best in the country. Emma Mirabelli Emma Mirabelli 6'0" | OH TC Christian | 2022 State MI is another talented outside that is uncommitted at the moment, but definitely can help a program at the next level. FaR Out has a lot of options in the middle, some of which can shift to the outside as well. Olivia Howlett Olivia Howlett 5'10" | MB Hudsonville | 2022 State MI , Leah Rogers Leah Rogers 6'2" | MB Hudsonville | 2022 State MI , Emily Struckmeyer Emily Struckmeyer 6'1" | MB Lowell | 2022 State MI , Kennedy Arp Kennedy Arp 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2023 State MI and Paige Sanders Paige Sanders 6'0" | MB Grandville | 2023 State MI all bring a different look to the middle and the net. This group can play a very fast speed as well, which should be great for setters Renee Brines Renee Brines 5'9" | S Cadillac | 2022 State MI (Northwood) and Corrie Wisser Corrie Wisser 5'10" | S Hopkins | 2023 State MI . Both have great command and leadership skills at the position. In the back row, Carlina Bender Carlina Bender 5'5" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2022 State MI and Ella McAllister are two athletic libero/DS options that are ready to take on the challenge of some powerful serving in the 18 Open field. As this team meshes together and finds their respective roles, it should really develop into a top squad in the state. They have already shown signs of just how impressive they can be. If the serve receive remains strong, it will be a great year for 18 Black.
17 Black
Just like 18 Black, 17 Black looked good in its 2022 debut, going 3-2 during Mideast Power League play. Included in that was a competitive loss with 18 Black. Coached by Brian Netzler, this team is playing with a big chip on its shoulder early. A number of them are new to the Open level, but eager to showcase what they can do. Mehl Hansen Mehl Hansen 5'8" | S Portage Central | 2022 State MI is a 2022 setter that is able to play at the 17s, giving the team a veteran leader to turn to. Kendal Young Kendal Young 5'9" | S West Michigan Christian | 2023 State MI is also a setting option and coming off a great prep season at WMC. On the outside, FaR Out has a lot of variety to work with, all of whom are consistent finishers. Jacey Anama Jacey Anama 5'9" | OH East Kentwood | 2023 MI , Cece Jilek Cece Jilek 5'9" | OH Portage Central | 2023 State MI , Sarah Dunn Sarah Dunn 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2023 State MI and Taylor Stephens Taylor Stephens 5'11" | OH Okemos | 2023 State MI all showed a lot of growth in the prep season and are ready to take their games to another level and get some new eyes on them. In the middle Kayla Ozanich Kayla Ozanich 6'1" | MB Okemos | 2023 State MI , Aubreigh Oswald Aubreigh Oswald 6'2" | MB Lowell | 2023 State MI and Reilly Zegunis Reilly Zegunis 6'0" | MB Zeeland East | 2023 State MI will be the primary options. Oswald missed last club season due to a knee injury, so she will be eager to really step up this year. In the back row, Madi Derby Madi Derby 5'5" | DS/L Allendale | 2023 State MI , Alli Pickard Alli Pickard 5'6" | DS/L Lakewood | 2023 State MI and Paige Williamson Paige Williamson 5'8" | DS/L Caledonia | 2023 State MI will be the libero/DS options for 17 Black. Each of the three brings a little something different to the position, but FaR Out is excited about their collective depth. While the overall size of 17 Black isn’t a big strength, their athleticism and technical skills should create problems for opponents. This team is playing with a lot of energy early on, and if they can sustain that, it will be a big year for many of them.