Program changes from the top to the bottom have been significant. What has not changed is the end goal for each and every season, and the national recognition of that pursuit.

In the three years since Madison College's last appearance at the NJCAA Division III Women's Volleyball National Tournament, the WolfPack have undergone a few changes. Aside from the typical junior college roster roll-over every season, the 'Pack has moved on to a third head coach in as many years as Jeff "J.T." Thomas was hired to take over the program after two years as an assistant at NCAA Division III Edgewood College. Thomas brought with him a pair of former Eagles, Lindsey Swansby and Emily DesJarlais, as assistant coaches. The former currently holds the all-time record for assists at Edgewood.

To ease the transition will be six holdovers from the 2017 season: four sophomores and a pair of assistant coaches (Tyler Larke and Katlynn Wirag).

Second year outside hitter Paige Hostetler was a first team all-region and second team all-conference selection as a freshman and is the only returning hitter for the WolfPack. The Green Bay, Wisconsin, native was the most efficient attacker with a .290 hitting percentage a season ago.

"Paige is a very versatile pin hitter that has experience under her belt with playing in big matches," said Thomas of the 5'10" Hostetler, who also recorded 31 blocks in her debut season. "She's hungry and looking for her chance to lead the team to a national tournament appearance."

Fellow sophomore Olivia Darkow will be in charge of directing the action toward Hostetler and the other hitters. The 5'5" setter posted a 3.64 assist per set average in 2017.

"Olivia has great hands and tremendous court awareness," commented Thomas of the former West Bend East HS standout. "Her hustle and determination will really help us persevere in tough matches. She's truly a smart setter in all aspects."

With Hostetler and Darkow working as the top battery at the net, another duo will provide stability along the back lines. Thomas has recognized early that the team's strength lies with the returning tandem of libero/defensive specialists. Maddie Scalissi led Madison College with 419 digs en route to first team all-region and second team all-conference accolades, as well as a spot on the NJCAA Region IV Division III All-Tournament Team. Paige Alsum saw action in 22 matches and picked up 84 digs. 

"We have depth in the back court, which will allow us to be much more versatile in our defensive scheme," said Thomas of the collection of back row players led by Scalissi and Alsum.

Madison College will open the 2018 campaign as the #8-ranked team in the NJCAA Division III Preseason Poll. To help fulfill that early season designation is a group of eight incoming freshman to complete the 2018 WolfPack roster.

"Our incoming class really has a lot of fight and the will to win," boasts Thomas of the the group that includes two outside hitters, two middle blockers, two libero/defensive specialists, one opposite, and one setter. "Our newcomers are hitting the ground running and will be key contributors for us this fall."

A familiar name to fans of Madison College athletics in the group of newcomers is Tianna Sackett. The West Salem, Wisconsin, native played for both the WolfPack women's soccer and basketball teams in 2017-18, and is now trying her hand at her third sport. Sackett is 5'7" and will play outside hitter and middle blocker. The collection of new faces also features another OH/MB combination in Isabella Carrillo, as well as back row players Kacee Kruczek and Sage Esser, completing a foursome that has stood out the most in preseason workouts.

"We look really strong both offensively and defensively. Our front row has really taken charge over the last couple weeks and our staff is really excited to take the court for the first match in late August."

The season opener is Thursday, August 23 at Elgin Community College. The WolfPack is 3-1 all-time against the Spartans, who were forced to cancel their season a year ago. The season's first tournament is August 24-25 at Waubonsee Community College and will see the 'Pack square off against four NJCAA Division II programs, including #10 Sauk Valley Community College.

The season's home opener will also double as the lid lifter for North Central Community College Conference play, with Madison College seeking to snap a two year championship drought. The WolfPack will host Joliet Junior College on Thursday, August 30 at 6:00 p.m. inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium. Other key dates in the 2018 volleyball schedule are the College of DuPage Chaparral Invite from August 31-September 1 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the Rochester CTC Toppers Pizza Volleyball Invitational in Rochester, Minnesota, on September 7 & 8, and a Thursday, September 20 home contest against two-time defending N4C and Region IV champions, Harper College. The defending national runners-up held off the 'Pack in a thrilling five-set match in last year's NJCAA Region IV Division III Championship and have won eight of the last nine head-to-head matches, including six straight. The Hawks will also host the 2018 NJCAA Region IV Division II Tournament.

Once again in 2018, all home matches, a some select away matches, will be streamed live at MadisonCollege.TV, as well as live on the Madison College Athletics Facebook and YouTube accounts.

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