Over the past two seasons, the Iowa Central volleyball team has set new high-water marks for the program.

That includes twice reaching the NJCAA Div. II semifinals, winning over 40 matches and obtaining the No. 1 ranking for six straight weeks.

Over the past three seasons, the Tritons have gone 97-13, winning three ICCAC titles, two regional championships and placing eight players on All-American teams.

Now, head coach Sara Horn will look to keep that ball moving forward this fall with a handful of returning starters and several key newcomers.

“Our offseasons are always so important because it’s a great time for our sophomores to ‘pass the reins’ to our freshmen,” said Horn, who is beginning her 10th season. “They’ve always been so great about balancing that leadership while also encouraging our freshmen to start taking control over how they want to lead their team.

“Our sophomores worked really hard this past offseason because they knew they had some really big shoes to fill. We have been really impressed with their work ethic and their desire to lead this team back to contend for a national title.”

That group includes returning All-American Katilyn Steffes, who opted to use her COVID year for a third season with the program. Steffes was a second team selection a year ago after recording 510 kills with 82 blocks and 374 digs.

Brooke Dobson, the 2021 ICCAC Freshman of the Year, also returns after registering 353 kills with 111 blocks and 58 digs. Former Humboldt standout Jori Hajek was another rotation regular who will be counted on after she had 311 kills, 42 blocks, 560 digs and 36 aces.

“Katilyn is looking to take her game to another level this season,” Horns said. “Brooke will be taking on an even bigger leadership role and Jori can do so many different things for a team by playing literally any position, so we will be looking to max out her contributions.”

Six starters will need to be replaced, which includes three All-Americans and two NCAA Div. I players. Sophomores Kira Matthias, Michaelah Petrowiak, Humboldt grad Deni McDaniel and former Fort Dodge Senior High standout Kiana Touney are among those looking to fill the void.

Freshmen Marissa Kaufman, another former Humboldt prep, Mercedes Madlock and Noemia Chiacchio, are also in the mix.

Touney played in five matches last year, recording 10 kills, four digs and three blocks. McDaniel saw action in three matches, picking up three assists.

Along with Hajek, Touney and Kaufman, the Iowa Central roster also features former St. Edmond standout Mya McClain, ex-Dodgers Alexis Hiracheta, Tjaden Johnston and Brooke Hansen, Southeast Valley grad Chloe Hicks and Manson Northwest Webster’s Kaitlyn Youngdale.

“Keeping the top area, Fort Dodge and St Edmond kids in town has been a strong focus for us for the past couple years,” Horn said. “We love having local players on our team, and we will continue to work with and recruit area players.

“We love being a community college that offers a competitive collegiate volleyball program to our community players.”

2022 IOWA CENTRAL VOLLEYBALL

Roster

Sophomores

Kylie McVey, Indianola; Kira Matthias, Indianola; Deni McDaniel, Humboldt; Baylee Greene, Nebraska; Katilyn Steffes, Minnesota; Brooke Hansen, Fort Dodge; Michaelah Petrowaiak, Minnesota; Aaliyah Lobendahn, Utah; Brooke Dobson, Nevada; Jori Hajek, Humboldt; Chloe Hicks, Gowrie; Kiana Touney, Fort Dodge.

Freshmen

Mya McClain, Fort Dodge; Alexis Hiracheta, Fort Dodge; Mercedes Madlock, Kansas; Noemia Chiacchio, Brazil; Tjaden Johnston, Fort Dodge; Lana Wright, Ogden; Leah Jolly, Ohio; Marissa Kaufman, Humboldt; Cecilia Venenga, Anamosa; Leah Kramersmeier, Buffalo Center; Kaitlyn Youngdale, Manson; Emma Bilhimer, Kansas.

Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Rockford, Ill.; 20 — at Rockford, Ill.; 24 — Marshalltown; 27 — at Overland Park, Kan.; 31 — at Northeast.

Sept. 2 — Lincoln Land, Illinois Central; 3 — Bismarck State, Central-Columbus; 7 — Southeastern; 10 — at Quincy, Ill.; 14 — Ellsworth; 16 — at Champaign, Ill.; 21 — at Hawkeye; 28 — at DMACC; 30 — at Boone.

Oct. 1 — at Boone; 5 — Southwestern; 6 — at Marshalltown; 10 — at Rochester Tech; 12 — at Iowa Lakes; 14 — North Dakota Science, Cowley; 15 — Carl Sandburg, Sauk Valley; 19 — NIACC; 21 — at Columbus, Neb.; 26 — at Kirkwood.