Starting off the season with a new coach and new goals, the RM boys volleyball team is on the path to success. Coach Edgar Arana Martinez is beginning his first season coaching at RM, though he has coached volleyball at other schools in the county.

The boys finished last season with an even record of 6-6. This year, the team welcomed several freshmen, and they are looking forward to having a strong season this year. One big asset to the team is the connection between the players. “The team atmosphere is very nice, and I just love being a part of the team,” freshman Aidan Kim said. This positive environment is exactly the kind of setting that will help the team improve and grow throughout the season.

The team has already started practicing and is working hard to build chemistry, improve communication, and work together as a team. They have also been practicing their serves as well as receiving serves. To make practice fun and lighthearted, the team has shirtless practice days for team bonding. They hope that all of their preparation will help them compete against some tough opponents this season.

The team opens regular season play against Clarksburg on the road, Friday, March 20th. The Rockets have their work cut out for them as they narrowly defeated Clarksburg last year, 3-2 in a close match. The Rockets then have their home opener against Poolesville on March 23rd. The team will also face several opponents they did not play last year, including Blair, B-CC, and Quince Orchard, giving them new challenges throughout the season.

Coach Edgar Arana Martinez is another key piece to this team. Arana Martinez has the experience to take the Rockets to the next level. He played in Peru for four years at the collegiate level. More recently, he coached the Springbrook High School Coed Volleyball Team and Sherwood High School’s Girls Volleyball Team. Arana Martinez first founded Vive Volley in 2016. This later grew into the Rockville Volleyball Academy in 2020 – an organization helping players reach their highest potential in volleyball. “My volleyball journey has evolved from playing to empowering the next generation,” Arana Martinez said. Coach Arana Martinez is the perfect fit for the RM team, with his experience and passion, and he has already begun building a strong relationship with the team.

One core aspect that they are focusing on is team bonding. Although the team is only a couple of weeks into their season, they have already formed a deep connection. With their strong team relationship and new coach at the helm, the team looks to improve their record from last season of 6-6.

This season, the team hopes to have a strong record and a good playoff run.  Each team member brings different goals and ideas, whether that’s beating a particular team or growing as an individual player. However, the team shares the common goal of supporting one another and improving together. “I am trying to beat Churchill this season,” Kim said.