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.

In a Nutshell...

Rockets will have 2 or 3 teams per age group 12s thru 18s (6th-12th grade). The 12s are usually 5th and 6th graders, but several 4th graders have made these teams as well. Every team has 2 coaches, 9 or 10 girls per team, and plays in 8 or 9 tournaments during their season. 12s teams do 6 or 7 tournaments (but can opt for more). Tournaments are generally all day affairs (Saturdays and/or Sundays) starting at 8am and ending between 4 and 7pm.

ALL Rockets teams are by try-out only. NO team is pre-set. Usually every team changes by 2, 3, or more members – every year. Tryout times/dates will be published on our website by early September.

Many girls that play Rockets are in other sports, organizations, or have a church night. We try to accommodate these other activities as long as compromises come from both activities. We try very hard to make club volleyball doable for everyone that really wants to play.

Costs range from $405 to $705 depending on the team (see team types below). 12 Gold will cost $405; 12 Black will cost $555.  All other Gold and Silver teams cost $555. All Black and R teams cost $705.  Fees are all-inclusive – they cover tournament fees, training, coach stipends, gym fees, coach expenses, and uniforms. We encourage those that are able, to 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 16th. Scholarships are available for those that need it – for a confidential conversation about this, see Kyla.

Hidden costs? (not really) We want to make club volleyball affordable, so we try very hard to make the “extra’s” inexpensive and not required. As with all clubs, each girl/family has to cover their own costs of meals and travel to/from tournaments. Parents do not have to come to every tournament. There are always plenty of folks that have room for an extra girl or two. In the interest of saving money (and good nutrition) most teams plan a pot-luck where each family contributes 1 food item to share with the group. Another money saver is that Rockets offers “Rocket Gear” for sale at very reasonable prices. We are not making a profit from this – just offering a service. You are not required to purchase a sweatshirt or warm-up, nor do you have to have matching socks or kneepads. We do offer the best price on Active Ankles; and our Rocket Gear is all optional.

All teams have 2 team practices a week – one on Sunday sometime between noon and 9pm (some teams prefer Saturday) and one during the week usually on Wednesday or Thursday. The early time slot on week nights is from 6 to 7:45 and generally includes 12s, 13s, 14s and some 15s teams.  Other 15s, and all 16s, 17s, and 18s are generally in the late slot from 7:25 to 9:25pm. This is a guideline and depends on the girls’ schedules. Most teams practice at Scanlon Gym in the Mercer Aquatic Center – address is 2701 Bradford Dr. Iowa City. We also use several other facilities in Iowa City and Coralville.

A third practice, called Specialty, is offered on Monday or Tuesday. This practice may be optional, except for setters (setters must attend) and is a great opportunity to mix with other players and see other coaches. Specialty Practices are one of the things that sets Rockets apart from other clubs. Every player has an opportunity (every week) to train with different coaches or to specialize in their position. Younger players especially benefit by watching the older players and sometimes playing beside them.

An advantage of having several teams in every age group, is that if you cannot make your team’s practice, you can practice with another team of similar ability. Our coaches love having extra players at their practices.  It’s much easier to “fill-in” at a tournament if you already know the girls/coaches, and it broadens everyone’s outlook.   A win – win for all!

Tryouts are in Oct/Nov (see website www.iowarockets.com for info, dates, times). Then in Nov/Dec we have several play-days, a fundraiser, and the “Tweener” Clinic (volleyball classes between Christmas and New Years – this clinic is for Rockets only and is optional). Then the season starts right away in January. Many teams are done by early April; some continue thru June.

12s teams ($405) - 6 or 7 tournaments in Iowa. Practices Sun and Tues. 1 more practice will be on either Wed, Thurs, or Fri. (Schedules of girls/coaches will determine which of those 3 days we will practice on.) 12s should make 2 of the 3 practices every week. 1 uniform top and spandex.  (12 Black may opt for more travel.)

Gold and Silver teams ($555) - (these teams are equal in strength) 7 or 8 tournaments mostly in Iowa. 1 or 2 multi-day tourneys possible. Practices on Sun and Wed or Thurs (not both). Specialty practice is offered on Tuesdays. 1 uniform top and spandex.

Black and R teams ($705) - 7, 8, or 9 tournaments with several in Iowa and several out of state; 3 or more multi-day tourneys. Practices on Sun and Wed or Thurs (not both). Specialty practice is offered on Mon or Tuesday. 2 uniform tops and spandex. Players on Black and R teams are expected to attend post-season practices and tournaments if their teams qualify.

ANY TEAM has the option to go to more tournaments. All they have to do is pay the entry fee and coach expenses for that tourney and off you go! We want to tailor the schedule to fit the teams needs, so if you want more volleyball, you can opt for a longer tourney schedule.

If you have any other questions about Rockets, please don’t hesitate to email Kyla at david@iowarockets.com or call Kyla or David at (319) 337-3613.

MORE THAN YOU WANTED TO KNOW… 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 Burlington. 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 alongside the older girls. We strive to be sisters to all, in order to create a positive atmosphere for individual as well as team growth.

Club Director and Coach: Head Coach David Rodgers has been playing volleyball for 25 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. 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! In 2009, the 16R team became the first team in Iowa history to qualify and compete at the USAV National Tournament in the Open division – where they captured first in Bronze.

Club Director and Coach: Head Coach Kyla Rodgers has been playing volleyball for 25 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. Several of Kyla’s teams have captured first place in the Iowa Region and have won 3 National Qualifiers! This includes her 15R team which consisted of mostly 'new to volleyball' players who finished an amazing 3rd in the nation!

Our CRAZY, COLORFUL CADRE of COACHES! Rockets works - because of the knowledge, dedication and caring of all our coaches. From outstanding high school coaches to collegiate coaches, to current and former collegiate players, to those that simply “Love the Game” – they all contribute ideas, energy and a bit of their sanity to Rockets. You can see a short biography on most of the coaches by clicking “Coaches” link at the top of this page.

Many Rockets have continued their volleyball careers in college. In addition to receiving a fine volleyball education through Rockets, these girls have matured through their diverse experiences, travels, and relationships. They’ve 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 play volleyball at the collegiate level. Suffice it to say, most of them have.

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.