2022 Club Profile: FaR Out 18 & 17 Black

<p><strong>FaR Out Volleyball Club </strong>isn’t one that wants to take a backseat to anyone in the state.</p> <p>Year after year, this group collects many of the best from the Grand Rapids/Lansing area.</p> <p>This year, things are starting pretty strongly for the top squads of FaR Out.</p> <p>The 18 and 17 Black squads are already showcasing a lot of tempo and success on a regional level, as they both hope to break into the national discussion.</p> <p>Here’s a look at what both squads are bringing to the table this season.</p> <h4><strong>18 Black</strong></h4> [caption id="attachment_176176" align="alignright" width="234"]<img class="wp-image-176176 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/01/DSC_0134-234x300.jpg" alt="" width="234" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="24845" first="Renee" last="Brines"][/caption] <p>This group had a good start to its club season with a 4-1 run during the opening weekend of the Mideast Power League in Louisville early in January. 18 Black has a lot of new pieces this year, but still very talented. Coached by Joe Steenhuysen, FaR Out won’t be lacking in size. Outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24871" first="Maradith" last="O’Gorman"]</strong> (Michigan State) can dominate anywhere on the floor, but has really improved on her passing game, which should be a big asset this club season. Outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66314" first="Kennedy" last="Louisell"]</strong> had a huge prep season and is one of five 2023 prospects to join 18 Black this year. Louisell really can lift her profile this year, playing against some of the best in the country. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24866" first="Emma" last="Mirabelli"]</strong> is another talented outside that is uncommitted at the moment, but definitely can help a program at the next level. FaR Out has a lot of options in the middle, some of which can shift to the outside as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60841" first="Olivia" last="Howlett"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91609" first="Leah" last="Rogers"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24876" first="Emily" last="Struckmeyer"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66293" first="Kennedy" last="Arp"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140491" first="Paige" last="Sanders"] </strong>all bring a different look to the middle and the net. This group can play a very fast speed as well, which should be great for setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24845" first="Renee" last="Brines"] </strong>(Northwood) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66343" first="Corrie" last="Wisser"]</strong>. Both have great command and leadership skills at the position. In the back row, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24839" first="Carlina" last="Bender"] </strong>and <strong>Ella McAllister</strong> are two athletic libero/DS options that are ready to take on the challenge of some powerful serving in the 18 Open field. As this team meshes together and finds their respective roles, it should really develop into a top squad in the state. They have already shown signs of just how impressive they can be. If the serve receive remains strong, it will be a great year for 18 Black.</p> <h4><strong>17 Black</strong></h4> [caption id="attachment_176177" align="alignright" width="264"]<img class="wp-image-176177 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/01/WMC-Kendal-Young-264x300.jpg" alt="" width="264" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="173610" first="Kendal" last="Young"][/caption] <p>Just like 18 Black, 17 Black looked good in its 2022 debut, going 3-2 during Mideast Power League play. Included in that was a competitive loss with 18 Black. Coached by Brian Netzler, this team is playing with a big chip on its shoulder early. A number of them are new to the Open level, but eager to showcase what they can do. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137575" first="Mehl" last="Hansen"]</strong> is a 2022 setter that is able to play at the 17s, giving the team a veteran leader to turn to. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="173610" first="Kendal" last="Young"]</strong> is also a setting option and coming off a great prep season at WMC. On the outside, FaR Out has a lot of variety to work with, all of whom are consistent finishers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="173611" first="Jacey" last="Anama"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="173620" first="Cece" last="Jilek"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66299" first="Sarah" last="Dunn"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140475" first="Taylor" last="Stephens"]</strong> all showed a lot of growth in the prep season and are ready to take their games to another level and get some new eyes on them. In the middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140490" first="Kayla" last="Ozanich"], [player_tooltip player_id="66321" first="Aubriegh" last="Oswald"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140479" first="Reilly" last="Zegunis"]</strong> will be the primary options. Oswald missed last club season due to a knee injury, so she will be eager to really step up this year. In the back row, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140477" first="Madi" last="Derby"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="173622" first="Alli" last="Pickard"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="173626" first="Paige" last="Williamson"] </strong>will be the libero/DS options for 17 Black. Each of the three brings a little something different to the position, but FaR Out is excited about their collective depth. While the overall size of 17 Black isn’t a big strength, their athleticism and technical skills should create problems for opponents. This team is playing with a lot of energy early on, and if they can sustain that, it will be a big year for many of them.</p>