Frosh/Soph and JV Rosters

Thank you to all of the athletes who participated in Novice and JV tryouts over the past few days. We know that tryouts can be both exciting and challenging, and we take the responsibility of selecting our teams very seriously. We spent multiple days evaluating each athlete so that we could make thoughtful decisions based on what is best for both the athletes and the program.

This year, we began with more than 40 athletes. Every athlete demonstrated effort, commitment, and a desire to be part of this program. Unfortunately, roster sizes are limited, and we are not able to keep everyone who tried out.

For those athletes who are not selected for the Novice and JV roster, please know that we recognize and appreciate the work you put into tryouts. We encourage you to continue working on your game, stay invested in the program, and use this experience as motivation to continue developing as an athlete. 

Our selections were based on a combination of positional needs, current ability, projected development, and qualities that contribute to team success, including attitude, communication, effort, consistency, and coachability. 

Throughout the season, coaches will continually evaluate performance, development, consistency, effort, attitude, and overall contribution to the team. Roles are not necessarily permanent, and athletes who continue to work, develop, and contribute to the team will have opportunities to grow throughout the season.

Please have your athlete email the coaching staff by Sunday evening to confirm their acceptance.

Thank you again to every athlete who put themselves out there and competed during tryouts. We are proud of the effort and commitment we saw from this group and look forward to a great season.

We respectfully ask that families do not contact the coaching staff regarding roster decisions, as selections will be final.

2026 Junior Varsity Roster

Angelina Blanton

Anna Brennan

Anuhea Strohecker

Ava Christianson

Claire Carson

Kensington Arata

Lilah Rau

Linden Ortega

Maya Rousseau

Riley Suggs

Sage Rousseau

Savannah Soomann

Taylor Graham

Teagan Varanelli

Coach Kira (JV Head Coach) kiragivans@gmail.com 
Coach Erin (JV Assistant Coach) 

2026 Frosh/Soph Roster

Amalia Bagias

Charlotte Priess

Ella Martinez

Emily Phulps

Gabriella Licari

Kalina May

Kiran Kendrick

Kyliee Foremano

Lily Bartell

Natasha Muzzy

Posey McAleese

Coach Kimo (Frosh/Soph Head Coach) fuel@fruitfrenzie.com 

2026 Interest Form and Clearance Information

Hello, thank you for visiting the Rio Americano Girl's Volleyball Page, home of the RIO RAIDERS! 

This form will be used to evaluate potential athletes coming in over the summer and/or attending tryouts. This blog is where any and all information will be posted, we will not be sending out any information via email.

The schedule for summer and the upcoming season is being worked on currently as information is updated, we appreciate your patience. 

If you are planning on returning to play this upcoming season OR you will be an incoming freshman (c/o 2030) please complete the 2026 Rio Americano Girls Volleyball Interest Form 

PARENTS - SportsNet is Open for 2026-2027, please ensure your athletes is cleared before the start of conditioning/practice. Athletes/parents/guardians, please complete the physical form and Click Here to register your athlete

Also below is a link for Sokolov and Sokolov for quick and easy physical – they intake hundreds of SJUSD athletes every year.

Sokolov and Sokolov

2026 Tryout Information

2026 Tryout Information

Please make sure to complete your athletic packet and physical before attending summer training and tryouts. 

Rio Volleyball is a competitive program. Athletes who play club sometimes will not make their high school program/teams. Club programs have many teams, levels, and opportunities. High school has 3 levels which limits the amount of athletes we can have in the program. Club is NOT a requirement, sometimes athletes who have potential (but no prior experience) will make a team.

_________________________________________________________________________________

FroshSoph:
- The expected roster will be 10-14+ athletes (coach decision). 
- Tryouts will take place the first 2 days of school 4:00PM - 6:00PM.
- All athletes are eligible to play on the team.
- The team will be mostly Freshmen and sophomores.
- The Frosh Soph team will play in 1 to 2 tournaments and the season ends on the last league competition date. There are no playoffs or championships for Novice.
- Playing time is up to the coach, however we try to give all athletes opportunities in practice to prove their abilities and earn playing time. 

** Incoming Freshmen and returning Sophomore athletes are encouraged to participate in a club/beach program to stay active and continue to develop their skills while out of season. Athletes who do not continue to build on their abilities may not be selected to the JV team the following season. All Novice athletes and parents will sign contracts that acknowledge a series of program wide rules and expectations. 
__________________________________________________________________________________

Junior Varsity
- The expected roster will be 12+ athletes (coach decision).

- Tryouts will take place the first 2 days of school 4:00PM - 6:00PM. 
- All athletes are eligible to play on the team.
- The JV team will play in 1 to 3 tournaments and the season ends on the last league competition date. There are no playoffs or championships for JV.

- Playing time is up to the coach, however we try to give all athletes opportunities in practice to prove their abilities and earn playing time. 

** Junior Varsity athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in a club/beach program to stay active and continue to develop their skills while out of season. Athletes who do not continue to build on their abilities may not be selected to the JV or Varsity team the following season. All JV athletes and parents will sign contracts that acknowledge a series of program wide rules and expectations. 
__________________________________________________________________________________

Varsity
- The roster will be 12+ athletes, up to 20 total (coach decision).

- ALL ATHLETES who earn a spot on the Varsity roster; regardless of class, prior program or outside experience; will not be guaranteed playing time. Playing time is earned in practice and is determined by the coaching staff. Athletes are only guaranteed training opportunities in PRACTICE.
- Underclassmen who make Varsity will receive the same training opportunities as all other Varsity athletes. Juniors who do not make Varsity will be asked to come to JV tryouts.

- The Varsity team will play in 3 to 5 tournaments and the season ends after playoffs (if the team qualifies through league).
- The varsity team is a competitive team and equal playing time is not to be expected as the goal is to qualify and compete in the playoffs. 

** Varsity athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in a competitive club/beach program to stay active and continue to develop their skills while out of season. Athletes who do not continue to build on their abilities may not be asked to join the Varsity team the following season. Varsity athletes are also expected to attend summer conditioning, weights, or any other team activities. All Varsity athletes and parents will sign contracts that acknowledge a series of program wide rules and expectations. 

See you in 2026!

GO RAIDERS

LOCAL CLUBS

Check out these clubs for camps and clinics this summer!

Sacramento Based Clubs/Camps

Aspire Volleyball Club - Folsom
Gold Cal Juniors Volleyball Club
OMNI Volleyball Club
SPVC Volleyball

Rocklin/Roseville Based Clubs/Camps

Epic Volleyball Club
Synergy Force Volleyball Club

Elk Grove/Stockton Based Clubs/Camps

Delta Valley Volleyball Club
Rage Volleyball Club

About Coach Grix

Coach Grix is a Physical Education teacher at Mira Loma High School. He has coached high school volleyball at Rio Americano since 2001 and has served as the Head Varsity Coach since 2006. He is the current Optimist Girls Volleyball Coordinator which recognizes Sacramento-area high school Seniors for their volleyball accomplishments in an annual showcase match. He co-founded the 'Sacramento Girls High School Volleyball' community page on Facebook to promote local high school programs and recognize their athletes. Coach Grix is also one of the founding members of the OMNI Volleyball Club. He has been coaching girls club for 22 years for several of the top clubs in Northern California. In his time coaching, 18 of his teams (13U, 15U - 17U) have qualified for the Girl’s Junior National Championships including 2 teams in 2012. 

COACHING EXPERIENCE

High School:

     Rio Americano Varsity Head Coach
          - Current Varsity Record: 479-228 (2006-2025) 
          - 3-time CAL Coach of the Year
          - League Champions: 2012, 2020, 2022
          - 4-time Optimist Senior Showcase Coach: C/O 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014
          - 2017 Optimist Hall of Fame Inductee

Club:
18 teams Qualified for USAV Girls Junior National Championships (GJNC)

17U (3 teams)
     National: 2012
     American: 2008, 2020

16U (7 teams)
     Open: 2004, 2005, 2010, 2018 
     National: 2007, 2011 
     American: 2019

15U (7 teams)
     National: 2006, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
     American: 2012, 2017

13U (1 team)
     USA: 2025

OMNI Volleyball Club (5 Seasons)
    2026 - 2027  OMNI 13's Head Coach
    2024 - 2025  OMNI 13's Head Coach
        - Qualified for 13 USA GJNC: 2nd Place Red Rock Rave National Qualifier
    2023 - 2024 OMNI 12's Head Coach
    2022 - 2023 OMNI 12's Head Coach
    2021 - 2022 OMNI 15's and 16's Head Coach
        - 2nd Place WCVBA League Tournament 16U
        - Qualified for AAU Nationals (WCVBA bid)  
        - AAU Nationals 15's and 16's
    2020 - 2021 OMNI 15's Head Coach
        - 3rd Place WCVBA League Tournament 15U 

Rage Sacramento Volleyball Club (2 Seasons)
     2019 - 2020 Rage Sacramento 17-1 Head Coach 
          - Qualified for 17 American GJNC (NCVA region bid)
     2018 - 2019 Rage Sacramento 16-1 Head Coach
          - Qualified for 16 American GJNC (NCVA region bid)

Northern California Volleyball Club (9 Seasons)
     2017 - 2018 NCVC 16-1 Assistant Coach
          - Double Qualified GJNC: 3rd place 16 Open (Reno Qualifier), 16 National (NCVA region bid)
          - 1st place NCVA League Championships
          - 1st place NCVA Power League 
     2016 - 2017 NCVC 15-1 Head Coach
          - Qualified 15 American GJNC (NCVA region bid)
     2015 - 2016 NCVC 15-1 Head Coach
          - Qualified 15 National GJNC (NCVA region bid)
     2014 - 2015 NCVC 15-1 Head Coach
          - Qualified 15 National GJNC (NCVA region bid)
     2014 - 2015 NCVC 18-1 Assistant Coach GJNC
     2014 - 2015 NCVC 17-1 Assistant Coach GJNC
          - GJNC 1st Place 17 National (Gold Medal)       
     2013 - 2014 NCVC 15-1 Head Coach
          - Qualified 15 National GJNC (NCVA region bid)
     2012 - 2013 NCVC 15-1 Head Coach
          - Qualified 15 National GJNC (NCVA region bid)
     2011 - 2012 NCVC 15-1 Head Coach
          - Qualified 15 American GJNC (NCVA region bid)
          - GJNC 5th place 15 American
     2011 - 2012 NCVC 17-2 Assistant Coach
          - Qualified 17 National GJNC: 1st place 17 Club - National (Far Western Qualifier)
     2010 - 2011 NCVC 16-1 Assistant Coach
          - Qualified 16 National GJNC (NCVA region bid)
          - GJNC 2nd Place 16 National (Silver Medal)
     2009 - 2010 NCVC 16-1 Assistant Coach
          - Double Qualified GJNC: 2nd place 16 Open (Far Western Qualifier), 16 National (NCVA region bid)
     2008 - 2009 NCVC 16-2 Head Coach, 14-2 Assistant Coach

Force Volleyball Club (2 Seasons)
     2007 - 2008 Force VBC 17-1 Head Coach 
          - Qualified 17 American GJNC (NCVA region bid)
     2006 - 2007 Force VBC 16-1 Head Coach
          - Double qualified GJNC: 1st place 16 Club - National (Reno Qualifier)
          - 16 National (NCVA region bid)
          - 1st place NCVA Power League Points

Delta Volleyball Club (3 Seasons)
     2005 - 2006 Delta Valley 15-1 Assistant Coach
          - Double Qualified GJNC: 1st place 15 Club - National (SoCal Club Qualifier)
          - 15 American (NCVA region bid)
     2004 - 2005 Delta Valley 16-1 Assistant Coach
          - Qualified 16 Open GJNC (Far Western Qualifier)
     2003 - 2004 Delta Valley 16-1 Assistant Coach
          - Qualified 16 Open GJNC (Far Western Qualifier)
          - GJNC 5th place 16 Open

EDUCATION
     Masters Ed. Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership - University of Missouri 
     Single Subject Credential - Brandman University 
     B.S. Kinesiology - Sacramento State University 

CERTIFICATION
     Gold Medal Squared Certified 
     SafeSport Certified, USA Volleyball
     Impact Certified 
     CPR/First Aid Certified Current
     Mandated Reporter

Contact Coach Grix

coachjohngrix@gmail.com

SUBJECT LINE: Rio Americano Girls Volleyball

Records since 2000

Varsity RECORDS since 2000

Kills in season: 570 kills - Maddie Cannon (2012)

Career kills: 1376 - Meghan Merlino (2013-2016)

Assists in season: 1227 assists - Madeline Merlino (2012)

Career assists: 3805 assists - Ariana Garner (2008-2011)

Aces in season: 136 aces - Ariana Garner (2010)

Career aces: 381 aces - Ariana Garner (2008-2011)

Digs in season: 451 digs - Chyna Wright (2016)

Career digs: 1029 digs - Chyna Wright (2015-2017)

Successful serve receptions in season: 692 - Camden Kallhoff (2025)

Successful career serve receptions: 1731 serve receptions - Camden Kallhoff (2023-2025)

Blocks in a season: 124 blocks - Maddie Cannon (2010)

Career blocks: 309 blocks - Maddie Cannon (2009-2012)