The RDP Queens Volleyball team. (Supplied)

By RDP Athletics

GEARING UP FOR THE SEASON

RDP Queens Volleyball leverages middle blockers for winning strategy

Oct 21, 2024 | 10:08 AM

As the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Queens Volleyball team gears up for the 2024/2025 season, they are setting ambitious goals, aiming to reach their peak performance by championship season.

“The goal remains the same every year—be in the hunt for a championship at the end of the season,” says Talbot Walton, RDP Queens Volleyball Head Coach, regarding his expectations for the season. “We know the journey to get there is long, but I like the way we’re progressing. The student-athletes are really buying into our offensive strategy and how we want to defend in specific situations. They’re working incredibly hard to make those adjustments a part of their game.”

Last season, the Queens finished second in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) South Division with a 13-6 record. The team also had the opportunity to host the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship. The Polytechnic made it all the way to the semi-finals before being defeated by the Vancouver Island University Mariners in five sets.

Twelve student-athletes have returned from last year’s team which include libero Francesca Sandini (189 digs) and middle-blocker Autumn Roos (0.77 blocks per set). Both Queens were named to the ACAC South Division All-Conference team. Middle blocker Raya Roesler (1.56 kills per set) returns to Red Deer Polytechnic, where she is enrolled in the Practical Nurse Diploma program. Roesler was also named the ACAC South Division Rookie of the Year last season.

“Middles sometimes get overlooked in volleyball, often seen as primarily responsible for blocking,” says Walton, a CCAA Coach of the Year. “But our four middle blockers are among the best in the conference. Autumn (Roos), Abby (Lowe) and Jailyn (Stouffer) are entering their fourth year with the program while Raya (Roesler) is in her second year with the Queens. They’ve reached a point in their careers where the game is really starting to click and they’re making excellent decisions throughout the rallies.”

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Joining these returning student-athletes are Reid Adams (setter), Rhyen Hannett (outside-hitter) and Riley Dand (outside-hitter), all products of the Notre Dame High School Volleyball program in Red Deer. Along with these first-year players, Walton was able to secure outside-hitter Julia Pedersen, a third-year transfer from Olds College.

“I’ve known the three athletes from Red Deer for quite some time, so I had a good understanding of their strengths, what they’re capable of and how they can contribute to our program this year,” explains Walton. “This familiarity really helped me find direction for the season. Reid (Adams) has already seen early success in her career, while Rhyen (Hannett) and Riley (Dand) are well-rounded outside hitters who excel at passing and serving. Julia (Pedersen) has delivered some strong performances in the pre-season and will definitely be in the mix when the regular season begins.”

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens will open the new campaign against the Ambrose University Lions at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on Friday, October 25 at 6 p.m.

For more information about the Queens Volleyball, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.