Athlete Profile: Ireland DeRoos

BOWLER — The Bowler High School volleyball team’s season came to an end after a regional title loss to Gresham on Saturday. That loss brought the end for a talented senior class that included Ireland DeRoos.

DeRoos helped the Panthers to a strong season on the court and to a No. 2 seed for the postseason.

In the team’s five-set regional semifinal win over Gillett on Thursday, DeRoos accumulated 11 digs and nine total kills. She posted seven total kills and five digs in a sweep of Marion in a regional quarterfinal match on Oct. 22.

“She is my spark plug,” said Bowler coach Brad Brei. “When she gets going, the whole team gets going. She became a great server and blocker for our team. She is very tough, any injury did not slow her down.”

Q: When did your interest in volleyball begin?

A: It started when I was really young because I always watched my older siblings (Teddy DeRoos, Montana Rickert, Winter DeRoos) play and I wanted to be like them.

Q: What is your favorite part about the volleyball season?

A: Just playing. Being on that court brings a whole new type of joy. Playing in practice is always fun because we all get to have fun and we all have so many jokes and being around everyone knowing that they are like a second family to me.

Q: Your team enjoyed a strong season on the court. What was the biggest key to all the success?

A: We played as a family. When you’re on that court, you all have to become one and play as one.

Q: The team also seemed to have several individuals who could carry the team to wins. Talk about what it was like playing on a team with so many special teammates.

A: Everyone has a special talent on this team. Volleyball is a team sport, so playing with all that talent opened my eyes and made me better in different positions on the court by taking everyone’s advice.

Q: How did you prepare for the volleyball season?

A: Knowing that this was my last year, I definitely had to be mentally prepared — the last year of the game I’ve loved for so long was hard.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Bowler volleyball team?

A: Always keeping coach on the edge of his seat and always being able to crack a joke with everyone.

Q: What are you going to miss most about high school volleyball?

A: The second family I have made over the years and the bond that was created with the coaches. Playing the game in general.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or competing in a high school sport?

A: Hang out with my nephews — I have two little nephews (Ryder and Rydge Rickert) and they are so much fun to hang out with, and doing my job as a dairy farmer.

Q: Favorite movies?

A: Any ’80s movie. My favorite movies of all time are “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink.”

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I have extremely small feet for my height. I wear a size 6 shoe. I have earned the nickname “baby foot” from this.

Q: What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: Don’t dwell on yesterday when you still have tomorrow. Just because today was bad doesn’t mean that life is bad — you have to live every day. You have to be happy yourself, you can’t depend on others to do it for you.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I plan to go to school and learn American Sign Language and become an interpreter, and live a happy life.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Ireland DeRoos

Sport: Volleyball

Positions: Middle hitter

School: Bowler High School

Year: Senior