1 week Ago By Tom Fox
Holy Redeemer senior Josh Rocha joined an elite club, becoming the third Royal to reach 1,000 kills. Rocha hit the mark in a nonleague victory over New Covenant Christian on Tuesday, as he finished with 67 kills in two matches this week. This season, the senior attacker has more than 500 kills as the Royals sit at 18-5 and are ranked No.
5 in the state by PVCA. Talk about the start of your season. You are off to a really strong start with almost 30 kills a match: I am feeling great.
I am super proud of the team, and how far we have come. We are an inexperienced team, but we aren’t worried about our record from last year. We are trying to build on our season this year, and I think everyone is putting in the work at practice and in games.
It’s really showing up. Losing a lot of talent from last year, and starting this year with basically a new group, you have to be proud of how you are have grown as a team so far: I say all the time that it takes a team to play the game, and each one of us matters on that court. Has it sunk in yet that you will have your name on the banner signifying the volleyball greats: Honestly, no.
Every time I am practicing, I do look at that banner to see everything that has been accomplished in our program. I think once my name is put on there when I graduate, it will sink in. Were you surprised with the 1,000 kills: I didn’t know until one of my coaches came up to me and told me.
I know I ended last year with something like 400 kills. It’s amazing when you think about it because I already have around 500 kills this year. What does that accomplishment mean to you: It means a lot.
Freshman year, I don’t know if people know this, but I had an injury that really didn’t help me with my jumping. I really had a huge mental block with my hitting. I don’t know if I ever got past it until my sophomore year when I was able to hit again.
I trained really hard in the offseason to work on my vertical and just get back to where I was at the beginning of my freshman year when I wasn’t injured. Get to know Josh Rocha Year: Senior. Age: 17.
Hometown: Wilkes-Barre. What are some of your hobbies outside of school: I like to play and watch soccer, hang out with my friends, and also like to play basketball. How would you describe yourself to someone: I would like to say that I am an energetic, funny and genuine person.
Favorite food: Hibachi. Dream vacation would be: Italy or Greece. Favorite school subject: Science.
Your team is coming over for dinner and you are the chef. What are you making them: Pasta. Favorite TV show: The Office.
Favorite movie: The Godzilla vs. King Kong movies. Last song you listened to: “Headlines” by Drake.
Favorite restaurant: Mirakuya. Funniest teammate: Hayden Fleegle. What superpower would you pick: Flying.
Any prematch rituals: Before a home match, I always go down into our cafeteria and run two laps around, and then, I head to the top of our walkway. Role models: In volleyball, I look up to TJ DeFalco and Harper Murray. I think I can relate to them.
I used to be an outside hitter, and they are amazing. I would like to have their talent. You can have dinner with any three people, who would you pick: My mom, my dad and my sister.
Future plans: Josh is leaning toward attending Penn State University where he will focus in pre-med..
