The Washburn University volleyball team is set to start its season Sept. 5 against the University of Sioux Falls in the Kansas City Classic. Last year, Washburn finished with a 17-11 record and an 11-9 record in MIAA conference play. However, Chris Herron, head women’s volleyball coach, is looking to improve on that for this season. 

The Ichabods are returning many key players, including Jalyn Stevenson, a two-time all MIAA first team and one-time American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II all-american, Corinna McMullen, one-time all MIAA second team, and Taylor Rottinghaus, one time all MIAA second team.

Herron decided to spend more time during the offseason on recruiting and adding to his squad. The main difference between this year’s squad and last year’s squad is that this group has significantly more depth. 

“This is the deepest team I have ever had in my 23 years of being here,” Herron said.

Members of the team also have high confidence for this year’s team.

“[This is] the most talented group that has been here in a while,” said Taryn Pridgett, senior outside hitter.

Another difference that Herron saw in this year’s team was their competitiveness and work ethic. He also pointed out the fact that the team is working to get extra reps outside of practice time. 

“I like the fact that the kids are coming in and getting reps during the day,” Herron said. “That is my favorite part of this year’s team.”

The players are more motivated than ever, focusing on their mentality so they can get to the NCAA tournament this year.

Washburn is picked to finish fourth in the MIAA Preseason poll and, although they are not nationally ranked, they received 31 votes to be ranked in the AVCA preseason top 25. 

While the Ichabods have a tough season ahead of them, Coach Herron is confident that his squad has what it takes to win the conference this year. After starting off the year 3-0, the future is bright for Washburn volleyball.

Edited by Jeremy Ford and Cheyenne Hittle