An abrupt change at the start of fall practice has become a unifying force for the Madison College women's volleyball team, as they prepare to take the floor with new coaches and players for the first time in 2019.

The WolfPack, unranked in the NJCAA Division III Preseason Poll for the first time in over a decade, will host Elgin Communtiy College at H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium for their season opener at 6:00 p.m. tonight. The match will be the first glimpse at program still seeking consistency.

This season will mark the third consecutive with a new head coach after Jeff "J.T." Thomas announced he was leaving less than a month ago. Filling the void is a trio of co-head coaches, Lindsey Swansby, Emily DesJarlais, and Sydney Toon, to keep pushing the program forward. And what hasn't changed during that those time spans, is the expectation level of high-quality volleyball from the 'Pack. 

"As much talent as we have, we are very much looking forward to what we may have to show for it," said Swansby, who along with DesJarlais was a first year assistant on Thomas' staff a season ago. "The work the girls put in day after day and the extra time after practice has created a strong impression on many. As coaches, we see tremendous potential and are itching to see the results."

The young coaching staff will lean heavily on four players with college volleyball experience, including three returning from last season to steer the 2019 roster. Libero/defensive specialists Libby Ruhle and Sage Esser, and opposite Isabella Carrillo played in at least 25 of the team's 28 matches last season as the team went 16-12. As a freshman, Carrillo was tops in blocks with 40 and was third on the team with 181 kills. Also returning to the WolfPack is middle blocker Olivia Marron, a member of the 2017 team that went 21-8 and fell a couple points shy from reaching the NJCAA DIII National Tournament. Ruhle and Marron will serve as team captains in 2019.

"Libby is a consistent presence and has an encouraging leadership style on and off the court, and Marron demonstrates a strong work ethic and a willingness to put her teammates first," boasts Swansby. "Libby is a very vocal defensive player. Olivia's presence and positive attitude allow her teammates to thrive. Sage is a curios player that has great confidence and knowledge. And Isabella has transitioned into a few new roles. She give it her all when hitting on the right side and has worked hard to improve herself for the team."

Meanwhile the newest crop of WolfPack players has impressed the staff on a daily basis.

"This group has shown up. Period. The willingness to put forth the talent and energy that we have been awaiting is refreshing. Our offense has the strength and strategy that will guide our successes, and our defense is dedicated to picking up what is attempted to be put down."

Among the group of ten newcomers, setters Kaleia Lawrence and Skyler Salter, middle blockers Sidni Walgurski and Calla Borchert, outside hitters Cathleen Flannery and Amelia Walton, and defensive specialist Jaidyn Lange may be some of the first to contribute out of the gates.

"Our main challenge is to understand the pace of the game. Preseason has prepared the girls so much, but until they get into the game, to feel the pace and tempo, we will work that much harder to conquer this challenge."

One way the coaching staff is hoping to improve the team's understanding of pace is to try and eliminate overthinking, and replace it with better reaction and movement. However, the WolfPack will have plenty to think about as they once again will play a very challenging 2019 schedule. Over the course of three early season tournaments, the 'Pack will square off with five ranked opponents and another one receiving votes. The McHenry County College Invite in Rockford, Illinois, this weekend features Muskegon CC (MI), which is receiving votes, and a #2-ranked Parkland College team that was NJCAA DII runner-up last fall. The College of DuPage Chaparral Invite brings a meeting with DIII #9 Minnesota State CTC, and the Yellowjacket Invitational in Rochester, Minnesota, includes contests against DII #18 Iowa Central CC, DIII #3 Central Lakes College (MN), and DIII #4 Rochester CTC.

The competition within the North Central Community College Conference and Region IV won't be any easier, as Madison College will begin N4C play at home on Thursday, August 29 against DIII #8 Harper College. Rock Valley College, the reigning conference and region champs, is currently ranked #5 and visits Madison on Thursday, September 19. Road rematches with those two perennial powers will come on October 1 and 17, respectively.

"Our primary goals include bringing energy to every single play, building our talents one day at a time, and pushing each other to the next level to gain a positive experience and to better one another up until tournament time."

Once again in 2019, every home WolfPack match will be broadcast live on MadisonCollege.tv, with select road games to be featured, as well.

Follow WolfPack volleyball: Facebook | Twitter