GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Get to know setter August Raskie in the fifth edition of our “Offseason Conversation” series with the Grand Rapids Rise. Raskie talks about signing with the Rise, her time with the San Diego Mojo last season, bringing the energy, being an artist and much more.
Let’s start by welcoming you to the Grand Rapids Rise!
Let’s gooooooo!
December and the start of training camp are right around the corner. What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m looking forward to finally being in the gym in Grand Rapids, being able to chat with [Rise head coach] Cathy George in person, being able to reconnect with my new teammates, and set up a great plan for what we want for this season.
What has this offseason been like for you?
Lots of volleyball, whether it’s been coaching or playing beach and indoor. I’m constantly surrounded by it. Of course, this summer with the Olympics, I was able to watch many different styles of volleyball. That has encouraged me to get back in the gym and prepare for this season.
Talk me through your decision to sign with the Rise.
For me, it was a clear decision. Cathy matched a lot of what I was looking for. It just made sense to go with somebody who sees the game similar to me. What she was offering checked all my boxes, and I was ready for something new and challenging. Even though I’m living in California where it’s warm, I’m ready for snow.
Are you sure about that?
I’m Colorado born, so I have had my fair share of snow days.
OK, you’re all set then. Middle blocker Ali Bastianelli also decided to make the move over from the Mojo to the Rise. How do you think your time in San Diego together will benefit you both this upcoming season?
I think the two of us definitely have shared experiences together that will help us on the court this season. We are both very competitive players and we both want the same thing at the end of the year. I think because we already have a year of history, it’s going to encourage everyone around us to establish a culture that works well for all of us.
Last season, the Mojo started off 3-7 but still ended up making the playoffs and were a set away from reaching the championship match. What do you think contributed to the turnaround, and what was that experience like for you?
It was incredible because there are a lot of opportunities to be learned when you don’t get what you expect or what you want. So, to start off not as strong as we wanted turned into a learning experience. Being the first year, that was a lot of learning from everybody — from the business side to the team. As we continued to learn, that gave us more tenacity to play harder. We had nothing to lose at that point, you know? So just play and turn it up.
What insights or skills did you gain from practicing alongside Nootsara Tomkom, the 2024 PVF Setter of the Year?
I learned that the game is very simple. After you have played for a long time, the game just keeps getting simpler, especially at the setter position. Our vision for how we perceive the game really affects how we play. She just did a really good job of encouraging me to keep it light and keep it simple. We have this play. We are running it. We do it.
You’ve built quite a reputation for your energy and dancing on the sidelines. What inspires that side of you, and how have you seen your positive energy influence the rest of your team?
I’m excited for people to see me in the game. Because, yes, I do have that energy from the sideline and that’s what I’m known for, but just wait until I hit the court. That [energy] translates and gives me that much more fire to compete. I think that stems from the belief that things aren’t that heavy from how it seems. Yes, we want to go after a League championship and there is weight and value in that. However, the best way to achieve that is to play free and loose. Enjoy it as you go. At the end of the day, we are fortunate enough that we can still go see family and all these other things outside of volleyball that matter. So, during a game, we can play freely because it’s not life or death.
Switching topics, I know you were involved with ArtPrize here in Grand Rapids. How did that go, and what else have you been working on lately as an artist?
It was an incredible opportunity. I’m so grateful for Cathy and the Rise for connecting me into that. It just makes me that more excited to get to Grand Rapids. The city is flooded with art, whether it’s digital or paintings or street art. There is so much history and culture there. So, being able to be a part of ArtPrize, just gave me more connections into that world. I have a lot of gratitude.
Personally, right now, I’ve been working on a lot of large scale paintings on acrylic. I’m also in the middle of writing a comic book, which has been fun. I’ve been keeping my days busy.
How important do you think it is for professional athletes to have different hobbies outside of sports?
I would say it’s incredibly important. We all love volleyball and wouldn’t be here if we didn’t, but at the end of the day volleyball ends. Every one of us is more than just a volleyball player, or just an athlete. To have your identity rooted in other things too makes you feel more confident when you make that transition once volleyball ends.
Which one of your personality traits helps you the most when you’re on the court?
Hmm… I think I’m determined in the best way possible, and I’m feisty. I think that having an edge where, ‘It’s you versus me and I’m winning every time.’ That is what keeps me in the game and keeps me competitive. I’m relentlessly determined when I need to do something.
Lastly, in your opinion, what’s the most satisfying way to win a match point?
Setter dump. That’s it. Simple as that.
Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Rise