The Scorpion volleyball team’s 2026 home season in the 2A Black Canyon alignment starts on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. against the Williams Vikings. The started the season on road against the Seligman Antelopes on Aug. 26.

The team is now helmed by head coach William Grosz, 58, along with 2026 Sedona Red Rock High School alumnus Chokyi Carstens.

This is Grosz’s first time coaching volleyball, but he is a veteran in local athletics, working as assistant wrestling coach at Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood from 2000 to 2014.

“My goal for the girls is we’re going to win six games,” Grosz said. “They know it’s a rebuilding time, and they’ve all stepped up. From the start I’ve explained to them, I don’t know a lot, but we’re going to learn and do this together. A lot of the girls have stepped up, and they’re helping the younger girls.”

“We have a lot more players that can be good in any position. In previous years we relied on one, two or three primary players,” Carstens said. “This year, it’s going to be a huge struggle seeing who’s going to actually make varsity, because everyone would be a good fit. The margin between JV and varsity isn’t going to be huge.”

Back on the team in her second outing is sophomore Faith Ford, a middle and outside hitter who played varsity as a freshman.

“You just have to forget about your mistake and not bring your mood down, because then it’ll bring everybody else’s mood down,” Ford said. “Being consistent and stamina — I don’t think we have a lot of that. Coach Grosz is trying to help us.”

Senior Salem Perches, who started playing as a sophomore and won the program’s sportsmanship award last season, is back for a third year.

“I would like to go into cosmetology and then culinary and then law school” Perches said are her goals after graduation

“We’ve got the basics down, so I think it’s just being more ready and active and putting in all your effort, even in practice,” Perches said. “How you practice is how you play.”

Senior Jacqueline Rodriguez, in her second season with the program after playing in Phoenix, said senior teammate Natalie Juan Rodriguez, an outside hitter and setter has been a major performer in the preseason.

“Natalie’s really good at everything, and she always tries to keep a positive attitude even when things aren’t going her way,” Rodriguez said.

Senior Paola Nieto Salazar came up through the middle school volleyball program. She said she plans to teach after graduation and is in her second year with the Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education, and now interns in Kelly Cadigan’s classroom at West Sedona School.

“Our team last year, it was majority seniors, and they were really good. So this year it’s like starting from the ground up again, with us and a new upcoming freshman and a new coach,” Nieto said. “It’s just been relearning our positions and how to play and becoming strong as a team.”

Perches said the Scorpions welcome more faces in the stands during home games.

“They should come out to support their Scorpions because it’s supporting the community,” Perches said. “Even if you yourself don’t have kids, it’s wonderful to see how the new generation is growing up, how they’re staying active and how they’re becoming more fit.

“It would mean the world to us, because we don’t get a lot of visitors, and it would be wonderful to help support your community and see where your community is going later on.”

“If there are some people out there in the community that are very knowledgeable about volleyball, I’d love to get them to come down and spend a day with the girls and help,” Grosz said. “They’re trying their hardest.”

Residents who are interested in assisting the volleyball program may contact Grosz at 928-301-0887.

Scorpions Volleyball 2026 Home Schedule

• Wednesday, Sept. 2 — 6 p.m. vs. Williams Vikings
• Wednesday, Sept. 9 — 6 p.m. vs. Mayer
• Wednesday, Sept. 16 — 6 p.m. vs. Camp Verde
• Wednesday, Sept. 23 — 6 p.m. vs. North Phoenix Prep
• Wednesday, Oct. 7 — 6 p.m. vs. Salome
• Wednesday, Oct. 14 — 6 p.m. vs. Mogollon