GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (GRPS) -- As the new season begins, the Ottawa Hills volleyball team is hitting the court with grit, focus, and heart.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to foster relationships with current players and build new relationships with new players joining our program,” said Head Coach Melena Strehlow. “This is my second year as the varsity coach, and I feel more confident in the things we need to work on to compete in our highly-competitive conference.”
The Bengals are entering the season with grit as their trademark.
“Our team’s biggest strength is our scrappiness,” Strehlow said. “We continue to persevere through the difficult moments and never give up on balls.”
It’s a gritty mentality that’s backed up by a roster of seniors who bring leadership, passion, and connection to the court.
Leadership On and Off the Court
The team’s seniors are contributing in their own unique ways, building the tight-knit chemistry that drives the squad.
“For team success, I think it's important that everyone feels comfortable, welcome, and that their voice is heard,” said Anakah James Capps. “I always try my best to make sure people feel that way.”
Defensive specialist Joenise Santos-Guzman added, “I plan to contribute by bringing in my energy and my individual communication skills to help bring the team together emotionally. Also, by working hard on my individual skills to be a player my team can trust in when I'm on the court.”
Trust and communication are also key for the team’s setters and hitters, a relationship that takes time and repetition to develop.
“Hitters and setters build trust with each other through communication, practicing over and over and finding out what works, and evaluating each other's strengths and weaknesses,” explained Jana Kalumbula.
“It definitely takes a while to build that setter/hitter connection,” said outside hitter Taniya Radden, “but I would say spending time in the gym together and communication help. The hitter has to be able to tell the setter what they need, and the setter has to be able to trust the hitter to be there—which comes with time.”
An Electric Team Energy
The Bengals' energy is already setting the tone for the season.
“I would describe the energy on the team as electric, fun, determined, driven, and caring,” said Kalumbula.
“The energy on the team is always really high and exciting,” added Radden. “I don’t think there’s ever a dull moment during practices or game; everyone is always hype.”
That energy isn’t just for show—it plays a critical role in the team’s performance, especially during tough matches.
“During an intense moment, I think it's super important to try and make sure everyone is calm, so we aren't playing frantically,” said James Capps. “Everyone needs to show the most support and uplifting energy.”
Keona Kibet echoed that sentiment: “I think it’s important to encourage each other to relax during these moments. I like to say uplifting words, pat my teammates on the back, give high fives, and even take deep breaths together. A lot of great comebacks start with an awesome save someone has. It brings back the energy on the court, the bench, and in the audience!”
Facing Challenges Head-On
As the team looks ahead to a competitive season, players are taking their positional roles on the team seriously.
For Keona Kibet, who plays setter, the hardest part of her position is handling both offense and defense smoothly. “In a 6-2 rotation, you’re a back-row defender, but at the same time you’re running the entire offense singlehandedly,” she said. “This is why it’s important for me to practice my basics and technique so much that it becomes second-nature.”
Santos, who plays a key role in the backcourt, knows mental focus is critical. “The toughest part of my position is that most plays start with me as a defensive player,” she said. “I handle it by blocking out my negative thoughts and trusting myself to play how I know I can.”
A Season to Watch
New additions to the coaching staff add to the excitement, and Coach Strehlow’s philosophy continues to inspire everyone: we are stronger together, we always show respect, we value accountability, we give it our all, and we believe in potential.
Additionally, the Bengals have several key games circled on the calendar, and fans are encouraged to come out and show their support:
- Varsity Home Tournament – Saturday, September 6
- Youth Night vs. Godwin Heights – Monday, September 8
- Senior Night vs. Union – Thursday, October 30
This year, the Bengals are ready to bring their trademark scrappiness and team-driven play to every match this fall.
