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Outlaw volleyball challenges 4A competition in Casper Invitational

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 21:09 GMT by Wyoming News
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Rawlins’ “Outlaw” Volleyball Squad Heads to Casper for 4A Invitational – A New Chapter in Wyoming High‑School Volleyball

The “Outlaw” volleyball team from Rawlins, Wyoming, is making headlines as it prepares to face the state’s top 4A programs in the annual Casper Invitational. The invitation was received by the Outlaw’s coaching staff on a sunny Tuesday, and the entire program has since been buzzing with excitement, nerves, and a healthy dose of community pride. While the Rawlins Times article focuses on the logistics of the trip and the anticipation of the matchup, it also touches on the broader significance of this event for the program and for Wyoming volleyball as a whole.

A Big Step for a Small‑Town Program

Rawlins, a town of just under 7,000 residents, has a storied history of athletic competition, but volleyball has only recently gained a foothold. The Outlaw team—named after a local legend and the city’s unofficial mascot—has been steadily climbing the ranks since its inception five years ago. Under head coach Tyler “T‑Coach” Jensen, the squad’s most recent season ended with a 12‑4 record and a berth in the 3A state playoffs. According to the article, the team’s senior setter, Emma “Em” Rodriguez, says they felt “like we finally earned a spot among the best.”

The Casper Invitational is a two‑day event that brings together the state’s 4A volleyball powerhouses. Teams that will meet the Outlaw include the high‑profile schools of Casper High, Cheyenne Central, and Laramie High, all of which boast deep benches and a history of state‑topping play. The Rawlins Times notes that the 4A classification is the highest in the state, and that the Outlaw squad will be the first from a 3A school to regularly challenge 4A competition.

The Logistics of the Trip

The article details the logistics of getting from Rawlins to Casper. The Outlaw’s travel plan includes a 4‑hour bus ride on Friday evening, followed by a stay at a local YMCA in Casper. “We’ve set up a schedule that gives the players ample time to rest, eat healthy meals, and hit the gym in the mornings,” Coach Jensen tells the reporters. “We’re serious about this.”

Ticket sales and fundraising have also been covered in the article. Local businesses—most notably the Rawlins Hardware Store and the County Bank—have pledged to cover the travel costs in exchange for banner placements on the team’s jerseys. The Outlaw’s fundraising crew has also started a GoFundMe page, which, as of the article’s publication, has already raised $3,200, a good portion of the $6,500 estimated cost.

The Casper Invitational will be held in the 4,500‑seat gym at Casper High School, which the article explains is a state‑of‑the‑art facility for volleyball, featuring a regulation‑size court, a new LED scoreboard, and a dedicated training room. According to the Rawlins Times, the event will start with a morning warm‑up and team‑building session for all teams, followed by a full‑day tournament on Saturday, and a closing banquet on Sunday night.

A Chance to Test Their Skills

The article paints the Casper Invitational as a “once‑in‑a‑career” opportunity for the Outlaw squad. “We’re not looking to win,” says senior outside hitter, Jenna “Jaz” Kline, “but we want to show what we’re made of and see if we can keep up. It’s a chance to prove that 3A teams can compete with 4A powerhouses.”

The 4A teams that will be facing the Outlaw are expected to have a roster advantage of at least 20% in height and experience. According to the article, the average 4A team in Wyoming is 6’2” for their middle blockers and has played in at least one national tournament. In contrast, the Outlaw’s tallest player, freshman libero Maya Singh, stands at 5’9”. Nonetheless, Coach Jensen is optimistic. “Size is just one factor. Our team has speed, chemistry, and a drive to win. We’re all in it.”

The Rawlins Times also points out that the tournament’s format—a double‑elimination bracket—will allow the Outlaw team to play multiple matches in a single day if they make it to the finals. This gives the team a chance to “gain exposure and experience that is hard to get in a regular season,” Coach Jensen remarks.

Community Support and Legacy

Perhaps the most inspiring part of the article is the community’s involvement. Local high school principal, Dr. Susan McGowan, says that the school district has pledged to provide after‑school training sessions in the weeks leading up to the tournament. “We’re all behind the team. They’re not just athletes; they’re ambassadors of Rawlins,” she tells reporters.

The article also references a recent article on the Wyoming Volleyball Association’s website that details how smaller schools are encouraged to challenge 4A competition as part of the state’s initiative to raise the level of play statewide. The link in the Rawlins Times leads readers to a page that lists all past Casper Invitational participants and their season records, offering a historical context that underscores the significance of the Outlaw’s participation.

Additionally, the article touches on the personal story of one of the team’s junior middle blockers, Tyler “TJ” McGowan, who has battled a congenital heart condition and is playing through the challenges that come with it. “He’s an inspiration to all of us,” Coach Jensen says.

Looking Ahead

In the final part of the article, the writer asks what the team hopes to achieve beyond simply winning a match. Coach Jensen says, “We’re hoping to inspire the next generation of Rawlins volleyball players. If we can show that it’s possible to compete with the best, we’ll see more kids come into the program. That’s the real win.”

The article ends with a note that the team will post updates on their Instagram page and a dedicated Facebook group, both of which the Rawlins Times linked to. Fans are encouraged to follow the “Outlaw Volleyball” page for live commentary, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and a recap after each game.

Bottom Line

The Rawlins Times’ coverage of the Outlaw volleyball team’s invitation to the Casper Invitational is more than a simple announcement—it’s a story about ambition, community, and the growing competitiveness of Wyoming high‑school volleyball. It captures a moment when a small town’s athletes step onto a larger stage, armed with talent, determination, and the unwavering support of their hometown. Whether the Outlaw squad can hold their own against the 4A juggernauts remains to be seen, but the journey itself promises to be an unforgettable one for the players, the coaches, and the entire Rawlins community.