The Grand Rapids Rise is a new women’s pro volleyball team to the area. They are a prime depiction of the recognition that women’s sports are newly receiving, and are a great vision for the future of Grand Rapids athletics.

 On Jan. 25 the GR Rise had their home opener against the Columbus Fury, winning 3-0  with 7,805 fans watching.

Playing at Van Andel Arena, the GR Rise is aspirational to all West Michigan young girls and athletes alike. This is their inaugural season and they have already sold out the stadium on their first game.

“I went to the very first home game and I got to shag their balls and walk on and with them for the national anthem. It was a really fun experience and they won!” Johanna Taatjes ‘26 said. 

A lot of high school students, even if they are not associated with the Rise Club team like Taatjes, were also in attendance, myself included. I think that they played really well and they were fun to watch even though I don’t know much about volleyball.

High School volleyball player Lia Degoa ‘26 agreed. “I see a bright future for the team, it was a super fun atmosphere to be in and the team was really pumped and played really well,” Degoa said.

“The GR Rise team has a bright future ahead of them as they have played other games since this home opener, so far with a record of 3-1,” Taatjes said.

They have really strong players on the team, one of them being star player Claire Chausee, University of Louisville alum. She was named the best performance of the game against Columbus, having 21 kills, 2 aces, and since it was the first game, she had her first pro volleyball win as well.

Not only is the Rise team an envisionment for the city, it is also a great outlook for women’s sports.

“All over the country women’s volleyball is going pro in a lot of states. It’s never really been a thing until now, it’s a sport that’s definitely growing. A lot of people watch Rise and a lot of people are watching women’s sports in general.” Taatjes said.

Rise Volleyball is a team that is definitely worth watching.The energy and excitement in the stadium is really unique. With all of the cheers the stadium conducts and the excitement when points are scored, the atmosphere is definitely worth attending.

“I would like to consider playing on rise someday, I think they have a really bright future” Taatjes concluded.