Sophomore Katie Billetdeaux ranked third on the team in kills, and will be counted on as a veteran presence, now in her more natural position in the middle.

While there will be plenty of new faces filling the roles on the court this fall for The College of Wooster volleyball team, the experience of the Fighting Scots definitely isn't lacking. Several key veterans are back to build upon what last year's senior-driven team accomplished, and there's plenty of unmasked potential at the collegiate level throughout this year's roster.

"It's going to be an exciting year," said head coach Sarah Davis, who had one of the largest senior classes within NCAA Div. III – nine student-athletes – graduate in May. "It's fun to see our returners step into new roles and have new faces in the gym joining them. This team has come together well, and it's been a very positive preseason."

Junior Meghan Botsch is among the key returnees, and as the likely starting setter, she'll be tasked with helping a relatively young offense get into the flow. That's something Davis has already started to see taking shape in practice with "great shots and an ability to terminate from lots of players" on display, leading to the veteran coach feeling optimistic Wooster's offense "will surprise some people."

"Meghan is playing at a new level this preseason," summed up Davis. "She has two years playing a pretty significant role on the court behind her and is a great organizer on the court."

Three seniors dot Wooster's roster, with Anna Medema leading the way among the returning hitters on the outside. Cami Miller's back as well as a veteran middle within the program, while Kat Loftus joins the team for the first time as a defensive specialist.

"Anna and Cami bring a lot of maturity and experience to the team," shared Davis when highlighting her seniors. "They are great leaders who are working hard. Kat brings a lot of stability and calm to our young defense."

Rising sophomore Katie Billetdeaux, who ranked third on the team in kills, projects to slide into a more natural position in the middle, which should bode well for the Scots' blocking prospects. Up front, the likes of two-sport student-athletes Brooke Swain (softball) and Maya Vasta (track & field) give the Scots plenty of athleticism, while junior McKenna Gassman "could see time in multiple positions in the front court," per Davis.

Sophomore Seven Townsel played almost exclusively in the back court as a rookie on last year's senior-driven team, and thanks to a combination of explosiveness and power, "could see an expanded role in both the back and front court," according to Davis.

Junior Bradlee Hartman rounds out the returnees, and as someone who was mentored by a strong defensive senior class, is "ready to help acclimate young defenders into our program," per Davis.

Five first-years – Chloe Filippa, Sydney Fitzcharles, Emily Gail, Hayley Nash, and Maley Tinstman round out this year's roster.

"Our first-years come in with really high volleyball IQ and a capacity for hard work," summed up Davis. "It's been an exciting preseason to see the potential in this class."

Wooster's schedule is headlined by several key matches, including the first-ever crossover challenge between the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the NCAC, taking place in Lansing, Michigan, September 6-7. A week later, the Scots host the program's annual Ginny Hunt Kilt Classic, while Wooster will travel to Washington, D.C., for a pair of matches over fall break.

"It will be exciting to have all of the NCAC teams banding together at one venue to take on the MIAA," wrapped up Davis. "Our Ginny Hunt Kilt Classic is always a great weekend of volleyball. Our fall break trip will combine service and volleyball, which will be a unique experience for this team."