The Southern Storm's record in the National Hockey League does not make for particularly positive reading.
Ross is in her fourth season. In her three previous campaigns, the Storm has always featured in the playoff for seventh and eight.
The team avoided last place in 2012, thanks to a 2-1 win against Northland, but has otherwise claimed the dubious honour.
The 21-year-old midfielder hopes this will be the year Southern can climb the ladder.
''We are up against it,'' Ross conceded.
''We are the only women's team without any national squad members, so we do have our work cut out for us a bit.
''But I have high hopes. I think we're going to be probably more competitive than we were last year which is pretty exciting.
''I would be hoping not to be playing for the wooden spoon this year. We're really aiming for the fifth and sixth playoff and we would love to cause an upset. I think we have the potential to do that.''
Australian imports Cara Simpson and Rachel Miller will add some firepower and experience in attack.
Millie Cowan will lead the defensive effort. Junior Black Sticks Tessa Jopp and Maddie McLean will joining Sophie Wickens and Ross in a useful midfield.
There is no Pip Symes this year. The potent striker has decided to focus on rugby sevens and has moved to Auckland.
Ross believes defending champion Midlands is looking strong again this season, and Canterbury and Auckland also boast talented line-ups.
''Canterbury is looking really strong. They've got, I think I counted eight, national squad members in their team. We play them on Sunday.
''Auckland are always strong too. They've got about five Black Sticks, so it is a pretty strong competition overall.''
Ross is used to tough competition, though. Her father, Dave, has played for New Zealand and brother Nick has also donned the black singlet for his country.
She was selected in the junior Black Sticks in 2012 but a hip injury forced her out of that squad.
''That was a bit of a setback for me. It was quite major surgery. I was out for three months with rehabilitation.''
She had corrective surgery in December that year and was back operating at 100% last season.
She hopes to remind the national selectors she is still around with some solid performances again this year.
''I think anyone playing in the national league would have those aspirations. It should be what every hockey player is aiming for when they are going out there and competing against the best.''
The Storm opens its campaign against Auckland in Dunedin tomorrow morning.
The NHL has adopted a new format this year. Games will be played in 15-minute quarters rather than 35-minute halves and the other big change is teams will have just 40 seconds to take penalty corners.
The changes are designed to speed the game up and Ross is looking forward to see how the new rules work.
''It will be interesting ... and will take some getting used to. I do like it because we get a break in the middle of the half. It saves the legs a bit.''
Of course, that means the better players will be able to stay on the field longer, which could present the Storm with a further challenge.
NHL
Southern Storm
Storm: Millie Cowan, Victoria Dougherty, Tessa Hewlett, Dayna Holland, Alex Irwin, Tessa Jopp, Paige Lane, Maddie McLean, Rachel Miller, Kelly Nicholson, Courtney Ross, Cara Simpson, Emma Spratt, Virginia Wilson, Sophie Wickens, Tanya Hawley, Lauren Spencer, Alana-Rose Miller.
DRAW
August 30: v Auckland, Dunedin, 11.30am
August 31: v Canterbury, Timaru, noon*All remaining matches are played at North Harbour Hockey StadiumSeptember 6: v Central, 4.30pm
September 7: v Capital, 3pmSeptember 8: v Northland, 3.30pm
September 10: v Midlands, 6pm
September 11: v North Harbour, 5.30pm
September 13-14: Finals
