We need dedicated, high-spirited individuals with the desire to commit to a team and strive for a goal. In the process, we hope you will become a better player, a better person and richer for the experience.

Helpful Information

Welcome to Iowa Rockets Volleyball. The information below will help you become familiar with the Rockets program. The tremendous success of our volleyball club spans from the youngest age groups up to college-bound seniors.

If This is Your First Year of Club Volleyball, start reading here…

The Younger Teams: We feel a gentler introduction to volleyball is beneficial to the younger player. Thus we offer the younger teams a chance to get involved in volleyball at a lower cost and with a lesser time and travel commitment. They still enjoy Iowa Rockets quality coaching and the friendships and learning experiences of club volleyball. The intent of the 12s, 13s, 14s Gold teams is to have fun, be competitive, and learn the skills and teamwork needed to achieve their next level of volleyball. These teams will play in Iowa tournaments that will be age-appropriate and competitive. Depending on the caliber and desire of the players, we also have Regional teams in these age groups, that travel and compete in large out-of-state tournaments. In the past, both types of teams have thrived under the Rockets banner. (Rockets 12s, 13s, and 14s have all qualified for National tournaments and other Rockets teams have had outstanding success competing at in-state tournaments.)  12s Teams will play in about 6 Iowa tournaments with 1 overnighter at the State finals in Des Moines.  Gold Teams mainly play in 1 day, in-state tournaments; Black teams play several 2 day, out-of-state, as well as in-state tournaments.  R teams mainly play 2 or 3 day, out-of-state tournaments. 

USA Volleyball Organization: The Iowa Rockets Volleyball Club is a member of USA Volleyball (USAV). This organization is the governing body for volleyball programs that start with 10 year old athletes, and culminates at the Olympics. The Iowa Region of USAV consists of approximately 3,000 athletes representing over 300 teams in age groups ranging from 10 year olds through 18 year olds. Nationally, there are about 35 USAV Regions.

Additional Information: The 13s and 14s teams practice mainly at Wickham Elementary school, and Scanlon Gymnasium (Mercer Park).  12's will often practice at a local elementary school - to be announced.  Tournaments are generally all day affairs starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending between 4 and 7 p.m.  Tournaments are on Saturdays and/or Sundays. The fee for joining Iowa Rockets Volleyball Club is meant to be all encompassing, however, each girl/family is expected to cover their own costs of meals and travel to/from tournaments. Rockets offers some "Rockets Gear" for sale at very reasonable prices, but you are NOT required to buy a sweatshirt or warm-up suit.  It is not necessary for parents to go to all the tournaments. There are always plenty of parents that attend, so we often carpool. Also, instead of eating out (at the tournaments) some families pack their own meals or the parents organize a team potluck, where each family brings a food item to share with the group.

Sister Teams: Each year Iowa Rockets has grown in size and quality. We have had girls that represent nearly every junior high and high school from the Quad Cities to Des Moines and Cedar Falls to Marquette. It's a special experience to form friendships and build teamwork skills with girls (and parents) from other areas. In addition, the younger girls are exposed to higher caliber volleyball because in our specialty practices, the younger girls practice right along side the older girls. We strive to be sisters to all, in order to create a positive atmosphere for individual as well as team growth.

Iowa Rockets 2008-2009 Season - Veteran club players start reading here…

Practices: Teams will practice twice a week, primarily at the following facilities: Wickham Elementary school, Scanlon Gym (Mercer Park) and Robert Lee Recreation Center (downtown Iowa City).  (Depending on the make-up of a team, some teams may practice at a facility closer to it's members.)  Setters will have one additional practice each week. Additionally, specialty practices will be held for middle hitters, outside hitters, right-side hitters, defensive specialist/liberos, etc. Practices will begin in January and run through April. Since most players are anxious to get started, we offer optional practices in December. The Iowa Rockets is known for their caring and knowledgeable coaching staff; they spend extra time helping players accelerate their development and fine tune their skills.

Team Structure and Tournaments:  For Gold Teams: we plan on having 9 (sometimes 10) girls per team and will attend 7 to 9 tournaments, most of which are in Iowa. One or two of these tournaments will be in Iowa City, others will be in cities such as Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Davenport, Dubuque, Ames, etc.  There will be 1 or 2 overnight tournaments including the Iowa Region State Tournament in Des Moines (which is loads of fun!). For Black and R Teams: we plan to attend 7 or 8 tournaments that include 2 to 5 Iowa tournaments, at least 2 large out-of-state tournaments such as 'Presidents Day' in Omaha, or a National Qualifier; and of course the Iowa Region State Tournament in Des Moines.  This is an ambitious schedule and may be toned down if a team does not care for that type or amount of experience. We truly would like to tailor things to the experience level and desires of each team.  12s Teams will have 6 Iowa tournaments with 1 overnighter in Des Moines.

Cost: The Iowa Rockets will offer two or more teams at each age group (12s through 18s). Cost for teams is directly related to the number of tournaments and amount of travel.  Gold Teams will cost $555.  Black and R Teams will cost $705.  12s Teams will cost $405. Fees cover the following: tournament entry fees, practice facilities and equipment, coaches stipends, uniform shirt(s) and shorts, and some coach travel expenses. Scholarships for part of this fee may be available. (Please contact Kyla or David Rodgers for a confidential conversation about a scholarship.) We encourage those that are able, to please pay the entire fee at the beginning.  But the fee may be paid in 2 or 3 installments. The first payment is due at the parent/player meeting on Tuesday night, November 18th.  In addition we ask that each family help with several fun fund-raising activities.  (You don't have to sell anything!)  Apple pie making (ask someone from last year about this project) is easy, fun, and delicious! Other fundraisers include hosting tournaments with concession stands, and teaching volleyball to younger children.

Mission: The mission of the Iowa Rockets Volleyball Club is to become the best (not necessarily the biggest) volleyball club in Iowa. This will be achieved by bringing together exceptional coaching and talented athletes. The intent is to bring out the best in each player therefore producing high caliber volleyball teams. These teams will compete in Iowa tournaments as well as large Midwest tournaments, including National Qualifiers, when appropriate. This will provide an opportunity for girls to compete against nationally ranked teams and to be seen by many college coaches.

Club Director and Coach: Head Coach David Rodgers has been playing volleyball for 24 years. He loves the sport and participates in all aspects of the game, from player, to coach, to referee and scorekeeper. David is a NCAA Division I Referee, USAV Junior National Referee, Regional scorekeeper and is a USA CAP Level II volleyball coach. As a player/coach/referee, David has worked with and learned from many coaches with very successful programs. Though David is an all-around coach, he specializes in setting, passing, and defensive systems. In 2001, David was awarded the Regional Service Award and in 2000 was awarded the Regional Meritorious Service Award for his caring dedication and contributions to Iowa Volleyball.  In 2008, his 15R team attended Nationals in Dallas Texas, bringing home the GOLD - Nationals Champs in the 15s age division - a first in Iowa history!

Club Director and Coach: Head Coach Kyla Rodgers has been playing volleyball for 24 years. She was a player at the USAV Women's AA level and a USAV Regional Referee, collegiate referee, Men's Big 10 referee, and a USA CAP I volleyball coach. Though Kyla is an all-around coach, she specializes in attacking, blocking, and offense. Two years ago, Kyla led her 15s team to the State Championship and a bid to the National Tournament. Her team of mostly 'new to volleyball' players finished an amazing 3rd in the nation!

Accomplishments of Teams Coached by Kyla and David Rodgers: David and Kyla are entering their 12th year as USAV coaches. Each year they have led teams to a successful season and have continually placed high at the Iowa Regional tournament and National Qualifiers.

USAV National Championship Tournament - 1st, 3rd, 5th, 11th twice, 13th, 17th, 21st, 29th three times, 33rd two times, 35th, 37th, 43rd, 45th twice, 53rd in the nation

USAV National Qualifiers - 1st twice, 2nd, 3rd, 4th three times, 5th two times

Iowa State Regionals - 1st twelve times, 2nd nine times, 3rd twelve times

President's Day Festival - 1st six times, 2nd, 3rd, 5th three times, 9th two times

ASICS National Championships - 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th two times

In 1999 all (4) graduating seniors, from the 18's team received college scholarships. In the 2000 class, all six seniors are playing college volleyball as well;  four at Division I universities. In the 2007 class, 16 seniors are playing collegiate volleyball. In addition to receiving a fine volleyball education, these girls have matured through their diverse experiences, travels, and relationships. They have become happy, whole, contributing young women, participating in a sport they love.  Since the class of 2000, we stopped counting how many of our girls have received scholarships to continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level.  Suffice it to say, most of them have.

Pictures for the Web / Parent Help: In the interest of keeping costs low (and the club directors sane) we may ask each team for a parent volunteer to help with some administrative tasks, and hotel/travel arrangements. For the "journalistically-inclined," volunteers can submit articles to local newspapers or for our website.  We encourage you to contribute any "heads up" information, results from previous tournaments, inspirational stuff, healthy stuff, funny stuff and family stuff. We also have a picture section on our website where we can add photographs of teams and their families doing all kinds of goofy things; so keep the digital and video cameras rolling.

Post-season Play: Although no one can guarantee a trip to Nationals, our goal is to qualify team(s) for the USAV National Championship, USAV National Invitational and other high caliber post-season tournaments. It is expected that each girl will be able to attend the tournament (late June/early July), should her team qualify. The fees do not include post-season/National tournaments.  However, based upon our experience of taking teams to Nationals the last 9 years, we hope to offset the costs of the trip through sponsorships and fund-raising.

For More Information: Please feel free to contact David or Kyla Rodgers for additional info. They may be reached at: (h) 319-337-3613, (cell) 319-330-9499 or via email David @ IowaRockets . com.

We need dedicated, high-spirited individuals with the desire to commit to a team and strive for a goal. In the process, we hope you will become a better player, a better person and richer for the experience.