RVT Sends Three Teams to Nationals in Fourth Season

By Ellen McDonagh

Rockawave Volleyball, better known as RVT, is continuing its rapid rise on the national volleyball scene.

In just its fourth year as a program, RVT has qualified three teams — 16U, 15U, and 14U — for the 2026 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships, set to take place in Indianapolis this summer.

The 16U and 15U squads will return to Nationals for the second consecutive year, while the 14U team will make its debut appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.

The achievement marks another major milestone for the young program, which has quickly built a reputation for player development, competitiveness, and strong team culture.

“We have a staff of coaches — many of whom are also teachers — who are personally invested in every athlete and their growth on and off the court,” said Marie Raico, founder of RVT and coach of the 16U team. “Three teams going to Nationals is such a blessing and the reward for a sports community built on trusting the process and one another.”

Players and coaches alike credit the team chemistry, commitment, and work ethic for the program’s continued success. With Nationals approaching, the teams are increasing training sessions and preparing for the high level of competition ahead.

“I’ve seen so much growth from this great group of athletes since November,” said Noelle Carey, coach of the RVT 15U Surf team. “It amazes me to see how they support each other on and off the court. They are all heart and will be serious competitors at Nationals.”

“Our team has put in so much work all season, and earning a bid to Nationals for the second year in a row means a lot to us,” player Sadie Corvi said. “We’re excited to show what we can do. We always have each other’s backs, and I’m really proud of our team.”  Teammate Annie McDonagh added, “I think my team is so special because the one thing better than our skill is our trust in God. The way we pray before every game makes our team stronger than every other team.”

For the 14U team, qualifying for Nationals in the program’s fourth season represents both a major accomplishment and the culmination of months of steady growth and dedication.

“From the very beginning, this group showed true grit — not only in competition, but in the everyday moments people don’t always see,” 14U coach Clare Valecha said. “The repetitions that can sometimes feel boring helped build the foundational skills that set these girls apart defensively. Over time, they learned that improvement comes from consistency, discipline, and doing the small things with purpose.”

“Along the way, they also learned to be brave — to take chances, trust themselves, and understand that failure is something to learn from, not fear,” Valecha added. “Coaching this team alongside my daughter Chloe, who is deeply committed to volleyball herself, has made this journey even more special to me.”

Assistant coach Chloe Ostrander said the team’s growth has extended far beyond volleyball skills alone. “What makes this group stand out goes far beyond volleyball talent,” she said. “It’s their resilience, their willingness to learn, and the confidence they’ve built throughout the season. As coaches, we are incredibly proud of how far these girls have come and so grateful to the parents for the support, trust, and encouragement they have shown every step of the way.

“Qualifying for Nationals is an exciting accomplishment, but watching these girls become tougher, braver, and more confident young athletes — and young women — has truly been the most rewarding part of all.”

As RVT prepares to compete against some of the top volleyball clubs in the country, the program’s continued growth has already made a strong statement: even at just three years old, Rockawave Volleyball is establishing itself as a rising force in youth volleyball.