Entering its first season as a NJCAA Division I program, the Marshalltown Community College volleyball team will boast a talented lineup from top-to-bottom that will be ready to face some of the toughest competition in the nation.
"We're anxious," head coach Chris Brees stated in regards to the start of the season. "We're not wasting any time in gaining that valuable Division I experience needed to compete in Region XI." Brees noted the team's opening weekend at the Logger Invitational in Springfield, IL as an indication to the team's readiness to open up a new era in Tiger volleyball.
The Tigers enter Division I play with a 13-player roster, including four returners from the 2013 team that won 22 games, the program's most since 2005, along with Mady Van Metre (Marshalltown, IA/Ames) who was a member of the 2012 team.
In 2012, Van Metre ranked second in the nation with 4.53 kills per set and ninth nationally with 507 total kills. "We're looking forward to having Mady back," said Brees. "She'll have the green light for us. Even after a year off, she still brings plenty of heat to the ball."
Brees indicated the strong supporting cast that the Tigers bring to the table. Sam Hinrichs (Ankeny, IA/Ankeny) is an all-around threat that ranked fourth in the conference last year with 1,176 assists and also added 222 kills and 264 digs on the year. "Sam is that physical leader on the court that we need."
Joining Hinrichs for their sophomore campaign will be Reeba Box (Liscomb, IA/BCLUW), Meghann Cole (Des Moines, IA/West Des Moines Valley), and Emily Anker (Earlham, IA/Earlham).
"We have a strong returning group with plenty of leadership skills. This may be our best team talent wise," Brees suggested, "but it will obviously be our toughest schedule we've had since I've been here." Brees will be entering his third season at the helm of the Tigers.
"Reeba will be that emotional leader that will help carry this team, especially with a strong incoming freshman class. Meghann and Emily display their leadership by example. It's a strong group of returners that I will rely on."
The leadership of the veterans will help lead the way for a talented incoming class of freshman and transfers. 2014 will mark the first year Brees will have a full recruiting class that he can call his own.
"We have a very strong, well-rounded group of newcomers this year. All the way through the roster, we have players that can step in at any situation, and with our schedule, it'll be needed."
Brees pointed to freshman Kayla Prosser (Eldora, IA/South Hardin) to step in right away and team up with Hinrichs at the setter position. "Kayla gives us that option to run a 6-2 style of play. Being left-handed, she'll give us that different look that we've needed in past years."
On the offensive attack, an area that lost quality contributors from 2013, Brees looks to Jadelyn Rohach, (Toledo, IA/South Tama) a transfer from Clarke University, to be a solid contributor right away. "Jade brings plenty of experience in the middle for us."
Jena Boisen (Garrison, IA/Union) will look to play opposite of Van Metre. "Jena brings that calming effect that every team needs. She's our Steady-Eddy. At the net, she may be our best defensive player as well."
"Again, this team is very flexible and very deep. We're fortunate enough to be able to have three hitters on the court at all times, no matter the situation."
Entering Division I play, the Tigers will square off in league-play against perennial powerhouse Iowa Western Community College, ranked No. 2 in the NJCAA preseason poll, and Indian Hills Community College. "We fought with Indian Hills last year," Brees noted of the Tigers' 3-1 loss to the Warriors in the regular season finale. "They're a good matchup for us."
As for the Reivers, Brees sees a competitive team that is hungry to compete as the new team on the block. "Our whole goal is to battle. We know we have a strong schedule, but we also know we have the talent to make a name for ourselves. Through discipline and consistency, we'll be able to make some noise at the DI level."
The Tigers will be put to the test right away with four games this weekend at the Logger Invitational. The inaugural Division I home opener will take place at 7:00 PM on Sept. 3 against Des Moines Area Community College inside the Student Activity Center.
