Photo by Iowa Central Athletics: Former Fort Dodge Dodger standout Meah McCaleb reacts to a point during Iowa Central’s regional championship match.

CEDAR RAPIDS — At this time last year, Meah McCaleb was preparing for her senior season on the basketball court at Fort Dodge.

Now, roughly 365 days later, McCaleb will be looking to help the Iowa Central volleyball team secure a national championship.

McCaleb and the seventh-ranked Tritons begin action here on Wednesday at the NJCAA Div. II National Tournament inside the Alliant Energy Powerhouse agaist No. 15 St. Johns River State at 3:30 p.m.

Winners of 10 in a row, Iowa Central (30-7 overall) clinched its spot in the tournament with a sweep of Central and Southeastern to claim a regional title earlier this month. The Tritons were also crowned winners of the ICCAC regular season, and are at nationals for a sixth consecutive year.

Despite starting the season 0-4, Iowa Central was able to work out the early trouble. The Tritons went on an 11-game win streak before putting together a run that saw them win 17 of 18 to close the year.

“It’s extremely exciting to keep the streak alive, and I’m super proud of this team for receiving an automatic qualifying ticket to nationals,” McCaleb said. “We’ve been working really hard and set the goal (to make it back to nationals) early.”

McCaleb tallied 13 digs and four assists in the regional tournament finale — the 33rd time this year she has had at least 10 digs in a match. She’s tallied at least 20 digs 11 different times, including 24 in a five-set win over Kirkwood to secure the ICCAC crown.

On the year, McCaleb has played in 134 sets, recording 595 digs, 76 assists and 33 service aces. She had six aces in a win over Iowa Lakes, and five in the regular season vs. Central.

McCaleb is one of a handful of key freshmen who joined with the returning sophomores — including Southeast Valley grad Addi Hindt, Anabel Seaman, Shirley Monaghan, Talya Sampson and Dena Robb — to form a strong rotation for ICCC head coach Sara Horn.

“Going all out and doing what I can has helped me add my skills in a positive way,” McCaleb said. “I’m super competitive and will do whatever it takes to win, so throwing myself out there with no fear is my strategy.

“I also feel like it comes down to the relationships. I’ve formed great bonds and relationships on the team, which makes playing on the court a lot easier no matter who’s out there.”

A multi-sport athlete with the Dodgers, McCaleb has experience in big-game situations throughout her time on the volleyball court, basketball floor and softball diamond.

“I was nervous (at first) and didn’t know what to expect (entering the year), but after camp, I realized I was going to be just fine as long as I kept working hard and trusted my coaches and teammates,” McCaleb said. “Being a multi-sport athlete definitely helped me. I’m used to always doing something and being really busy.

“I’m used to working hard and having high expectations, so the transition (to the junior college level this fall) was a lot easier.”