Oct. 12, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team is on pace to finish as one of the program’s best blocking teams ever, largely because of sophomore Alena Visnovsky.
Visnovsky, a third-year player from Sparta, ranks first in the 20-team Michigan Community College Athletic Association and fourth in the nation, averaging 1.45 blocks per set.
“Blocking is a big focus, really for our whole team,” Visnovsky said. “A primary part of my game is being aware that blocking is my job. If l don’t get to my spot, and help establish our defense, then my teammates have a harder time doing their jobs. There’s no feeling like getting a block-kill and your teammates getting super excited.”
Visnovsky, on pace for well over a 100 blocks this year, currently has 93 after a five-block performance Tuesday, helping the team to its 17th straight win and clinching a share of the conference title – the 12th program history.
“I'm so proud of the work Alena has put in the last 3 years at GRCC,” coach Chip Will said. “She has grown so much on and off the court to become one of the nation’s best blockers. Her willingness to learn each day and develop all areas of her game has made her a great role model for our team.”
So far this season, the 6-foot-tall middle blocker has played and started in all 19 matches. She has had five or more blocks in 12 games with a career best nine at Owens Community College. She also has 49 kills and averages 1.62 points per set.
GRCC also leads the MCCAA in blocks per set, averaging 2.23.
Visnovsky last year was one of three GRCC student-athletes named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Academic First Team for their perfect 4.0 grade point averages. She's also active on the GRCC student newspaper, The Collegiate.