GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Get to know middle blocker Marin Grote in the sixth edition of our “Offseason Conversation” series with the Grand Rapids Rise. Grote talks about getting married this offseason, her durability on the court, watching her younger sister play volleyball for Minnesota, and much more.
What has Marin Grote been up to this offseason?
I have been enjoying married life since my wedding a couple of months ago. I also got two kittens, so I’ve been having fun with them, and I’ve been playing volleyball whenever I can. I’ve played a few 4 vs. 4 tournaments and have been working out.
Any funny or memorable stories you’d like to share from your wedding?
Oh man. The whole thing was perfect. Not a single thing went wrong. It was amazing. One of our groomsmen took the photographer’s camera and started taking pictures at the reception. I couldn’t believe the photographer let him take the camera. But she actually made a reel out of it and put it on Instagram, and it’s really, really funny.
I’m assuming you haven’t seen it in person yet, but how does it feel to be featured on the graphic display on the outside of Van Andel Arena?
That was so cool to see. I saw it on my Instagram later that day and was like, ‘wait a minute, that’s so cool.’ I had people sending it to me and my family. They loved it too.
Looking back at last season, what core memories do you have?
The championship sticks out a lot in my mind. Just sitting in the locker room, before and after the practices, and being like, ‘Hey, we made it here so let’s just go for it as a team.’ And then the snowstorm that we had stands out. It wasn’t even a blizzard, but that was the first heavy snowfall that I have ever experienced.
I’m very much a move-on-to-the-next-moment kind of person. So, I don’t dwell on the past a lot.
You played in every set except the first one in the season opener, showcasing impressive durability and stamina as a middle blocker with 106 sets played over five months. To what extent do you attribute that achievement to your preparation and training, and how much do you think luck played a role in avoiding injuries?
I think it’s a combination of both. Last season was one of the first seasons where I really put my head down and worked out for 2-3 months before the season started. I think I was the strongest and the most in shape that I have ever been for a season, including during college. I have herniated discs, which caused a few back spasms in the middle of the seasons. But I had a great support system around me with the team. Dave [Getsoff], our athletic trainer, took care of me whenever I needed it, and [Rise head coach] Cathy George was understanding when I said I needed a day off from practice. So, that’s why I think it’s a combination of both. I was able to stay injury-free because of our great support staff and because of the preparation I put in before the season.
Who in the PVF had the hardest swing to block last season?
Hmm… Leah Edmond [of the Atlanta Vibe] hits the ball pretty hard. I will say that.
Thoughts on getting to play with, instead of against, fellow middle blocker Ali Bastianelli?
I’m excited. We had a little bit of time together at AU [Athletes Unlimited] and I really enjoy her as a human being. I’m excited to build that relationship. I think she is a great middle on the court, too, and a good addition.
I didn’t play a lot at AU, so my experience [with Ali] was just hanging out at hotels or in the car on the way to practice together. She has lived an interesting life, and it was fun to hear her perspective on what she has been through.
We now live in a world where Washington [Grote’s alma mater] and Minnesota [where Grote’s younger sister Lydia currently plays] are both in the reconfigured Big Ten conference. Whom do you root for when they play each other?
I root for both. I support my sister because I want her to win and be successful, but you always got a soft spot for your alma mater. So, I can’t pick one. I root for both.
How did having a younger sister influence your own game and development?
Lydia was always there to work with me and practice with me at home. So, if I was struggling with something on the court, I could go home and work it out with her using our makeshift volleyball net. She was always willing and ready to play volleyball with me, which was great. She was always there for some extra reps and support.
What have you learned from watching Lydia’s volleyball journey?
Lydia is one of the most persistent players I have ever met. If she doesn’t get the point, she will get the next point. If she makes an error, it doesn’t matter. She is always going to go for the next ball. I think her persistence and resilience are qualities that I can only aspire to.
Expanding on that, what was it like growing up in the Grote household?
Very competitive. I’m a very competitive person. If I don’t win, we are going to do it until I win. Lydia was very patient. She always played my games and played by my rules, which I wouldn’t have done for her. So, it was competitive, but we loved each other and were always playing and hanging out together. It was a blast.
Lastly, in your opinion, what’s the most satisfying way to win a match point?
A stuff block. There is just something special about a stuff block.
Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Rise