Rainier Volleyball Looks to Reach New Heights With Special Core Group of Seniors

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In a gym bustling with yells, squeaky shoes, and smiles, you could almost feel the energy as the Rainier High School volleyball team continued preparation for its fall season.  

Last spring season was draining for everyone, and the Mountaineers squad was no exception, though it wasn’t without its own successes. 

Taking over a struggling program last year, head coach Shauna Carpenter guided Rainier to its first district berth in years as the Mountaineers navigated a COVID-19 shortened spring season. 

While last season unfortunately didn’t give the Mountaineers enough time to grow as they would have liked, Carpenter is excited about the potential of this year’s squad, with a group of five special leaders at the helm. 

“It was a ticking clock, and time ran out,” Carpenter said of last season. “To be able to come out and actually get to start where we left off, instead of having to make up 18 months of being off the court, is huge. We actually get to grow more and faster.”

One of the seniors tasked with helping lead this season will be outside hitter Natasha Wood, who is joined by four other seniors who figure to be a big factor for Rainier this fall. Stepping into the role for the first time, Wood says as a senior she finally has the confidence to lead from wherever she’s playing on the court. 

“I love it because it keeps me out of my head,” she said. “Being that leader and holding strong for everyone else keeps me stronger, so I love it.”

But Wood won’t be alone. Because of how much she’s grown with her team over the years, both she and Carpenter felt a renewed optimism for how far this team could grow heading into Wood’s final season as a senior. 

That self-doubt and division that might have existed in years past is gone. The Mountaineers are a confident, and trusting group. 



“Last year we didn’t get a lot of time to trust each other and know who we’re next to,” Wood said. “This year, being next to a bunch of different people and trusting each other has brought all of our mental head spaces into a better place.

“You can just be yourself because you’ve been with them forever.”

That trust will be put to the test in an incredibly strong Central 2B League, which features two state title contenders in Kalama and Toutle Lake and more strong contenders like Napavine. There are no weeks off in league play. 

After making districts a year ago, the goal will be the same this year in a loaded league. 

“They love it so much, and they’re so close,” Carpenter said. “They have that little thing to push them over the edge.”

Taking it one step at a time, with their first practice finished, and their first match on the horizon, to Carpenter, how far Rainier can go will depend on how close that bond is, and how quickly they can continue to grow with one another as the season progresses. 

“This core group, they’re getting back to why they fell in love with the game in the first place, because of each other,” Carpenter said.

The Mountaineers open their season on the road at Yelm on Sept. 7.