The UNM volleyball squad is poised for a good year, despite losing vital players in the middle block and setter positions.
There will be no replacing Hannah Johnson, the quarterback and the group's leader for such a long time. However, head coach Jeff Nelson said the Lobo attack is going to be fierce with four seniors on the outside.
“I think in terms of the whole group, it’s outstanding. We have four senior pin hitters that are really good and they’re going to lead the way,” Nelson said. “I think we’ve got one of the strongest teams we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
Senior transfer Marisa Doran - alongside local talent Cassie House, Julia Warren and Devanne Sours - will all enter their last season in hopes of finally taking down the Mountain West powerhouse, Colorado State.
Nelson said this is the year that vision could become a viable reality, and it is because of the physicality brought by one of his tallest group of athletes.
“We’re definitely bigger. I don’t know if we’re the biggest we’ve ever been, but we’re right up there,” Nelson said. “We’re definitely the most physical we’ve ever been, which is exciting.”
That isn’t to say that this squad is without question marks. The libero position was a constant battle throughout last season, seeing changes in the middle of matches.
Redshirts Ashley Kelsey, Mercedes Pacheco and Warren all shared plenty of time at the defensive spot on the court, with no real leader being able to step up.
Nelson said on Monday’s media day that he may have to take away Julia’s big swing threat again this year and plug her in at libero to provide some consistency out of the position. That also may not be necessary should Pacheco or Kelsey step up to claim the spot outright.
That isn’t the only spot that is up for grabs, as Johnson left some significant shoes to fill. Nelson said Lise Rugland or Carson Heilborn could become the director of the team from the imperative setter spot.
A promising addition for Nelson has been the introduction of a beach volleyball program at UNM. The head coach said it has succeeded in bringing the team together in a variety of ways, taking note of the rapport his athletes have been able to build after a lot of the team has played a full year together.
“Our team chemistry is good as it’s ever been,” Nelson said. “They’re working together, they’re having fun.”
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Adding to the gel of the group has been the rise of Warren, House and Sours who have all grown up around New Mexico volleyball. Particularly, House and Warren have grown up under the guidance of Nelson since the two were in high school.
“I’ve had Cassie and Julia back 10th grade of club,” Nelson said. “Those kids have been with me and stayed with me for a long time so I’m really hoping that it will be a special year for them.”
Entering double-digits at the helm of Lobo volleyball, Nelson is undoubtedly hoping his 10th year will be special as well.
Liam Cary-Eaves is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers volleyball, women’s basketball and baseball. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Liam_CE.
