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

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 7 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.  Any team may elect to go to post-season tournaments; an extra fee to cover costs will apply. We have had great success  at all age groups in the past; we expect all top teams to attend Qualifying Regional tournament and USAV National tournament, if they qualify.

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 3,500 athletes representing over 350 teams in age groups ranging from 10 year olds through 18 year olds. Nationally, there are about 35 USAV Regions.

Additional Information: Teams practice mainly at Scanlon Gym (Mercer Park), Wickham Elementary school, North Dodge Athletic Club, and Van Allen Elementary school.  Also see below for our “Specialty Practices.”  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-inclusive, 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) 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 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 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 2009-10 Season - Veteran club players start reading here…

Practices: Teams practice twice a week, with an optional 3^rd practice, called Specialty Practice. Setters are expected to attend these each week. Specialty Practices will be held for middle hitters, outside hitters, right-side hitters, and defensive specialist/liberos. Practices begin in January and run through March. Rockets offers a “Twener Clinic” over Christmas break and for players anxious to get started, we hold practices in December. 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 or 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 Team can expect 6 Iowa tournaments in Iowa with 1 overnighter in Des Moines. Additionally, 12 Black team may elect to attend an out-of-state tournament (for an extra fee).

Cost: Iowa Rockets 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 cost $555.  Black and R Teams cost $705.  12s Teams will cost $405. Fees cover the following: tournament entry fees, practice facilities and equipment, coach 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 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 17th.  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 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 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. Several of Kyla’s teams have captured first place in the Iowa Region and attended the USAV National Tournament.  This includes her 15R team which consisted of  mostly 'new to volleyball' players who finished an amazing 3rd in the nation!

Accomplishments Iowa Rocket s Teams: David and Kyla are entering their 13th 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. However, credit should also be given to the many, many talented and dedicated Rockets coaches.  The cadre of coaches in several outstanding collegiate coaches, many high school coaches from area schools, and both current and former collegiate players, not to mention scores of coaches that just “love the game.”

USAV National Championship Tournament - 1st, 3rd, 5th twice, 10th, 11th twice, 13th twice, 17th, 21st, 29th three times, 33rd twice in the nation

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

Iowa State Regionals - 1st fourteen times, 2nd ten times, 3rd thirteen times

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

ASICS National Championships – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th two times

In addition to receiving a fine volleyball education through Rockets, 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.  Many, many graduating seniors continue their volleyball carreers’ in college. 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.

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 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 teams for the USAV National Championship 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 10 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.