2016 Schedule | Roster | Video Interview with Tanya Hockman | Photo Day Gallery

The Malone University volleyball team enters the 2016 season into what head coach Tanya Hockman calls a new era of Malone volleyball. In addition to the transition into a new conference, the Pioneers welcomed seven new faces to the roster this fall. Of the remaining seven returners, only two are upperclassmen.
 
"It feels to us like a new era," explained Hockman. "It's not only because of the new conference, but because we are so young."
 
A pair of seniors, Haley Kool and Lynsey Trusty will serve as captains for this year's squad. "Having senior leadership is a big key to our success," said Hockman. "How they compete and mentor is really critically important. I think they will serve well."
 
Haley Kool will once again anchor the middle hitter position. Kool tallied 169 kills and 69 blocks in 101 sets last season. "It's one of those pieces that we know we're solid in and comfortable with, "Hockman noted. "Her playing experience will be something we'll lean on and we're confident she'll do a great job"
 
Lynsey Trusty, a defensive specialist, collected 228 digs in 120 sets last fall and will return to anchor the back row. "She is incredibly quick and gets touches on balls that you think are down," Hockman stated. "She is a great leader and has a tremendous work ethic."
 
A very talented group of sophomores got their feet wet in collegiate volleyball last fall as freshmen. Among the five sophomores are outside hitters Mallory Adams and Veronica Gehring, defensive specialist/libero Maggie Hamrock, setter Cathryn Miller, and right side hitter Hannah Meckstroth.
 
Hamrock led the Pioneers with 369 total digs last fall while Miller collected 1019 assists as Malone's primary setter. Adams, who totaled 272 kills in 2015, and Gehring, who finished with 206 kills, will provide a 1-2 punch on the offensive side of the net. "When those two are healthy, they are key contributors to our program," relayed Hockman. "We will rely on them offensively to finish off points and score for us."
 
Among the seven newcomers are two transfers in junior Julia Marino and sophomore Maggie Poorman The duo will give Malone additional support on the defensive side of the ball. "Julia will be a key contributor as a back row player, she could play any of the three back row spots," Hockman expressed. "Maggie is a gifted athlete; she has solid back row skills that will really help us in a lot of ways."
 
A gifted contingent of five freshmen rounds out the Malone roster. Among the accomplished class are defensive specialist Sydney Black, middle hitter/rightside hitter Hannah Eliason, setter Tori Hall, right side hitter Lauren Hamko, and outside hitter Faith Lau.
 
The freshman class has coach Hockman excited for the future of the program. "Beyond the physical traits that they bring, they are a group that is really hard-working and buys into the concept of team," Hockman proclaimed. "I think they will do well in the systems that we have. The fact they are so athletic and adaptable is a real asset for a coach."
 
From an X's and O's standpoint, Hockman expects to see the Pioneers battle defensively "If we get back to that lunch pail mentality where defense and serving become our primary strength, we can keep the ball off the floor and frustrate teams and maybe find ways to win ugly."
 
As the Pioneers enter the new season, they also enter their first season in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). Despite the change in conference, the main focus for the Pioneers remains the same. "We obviously want to win as much as we can, but success is far greater than just the outcomes on the court," professed Hockman "From a coaching perspective, we want to find ways to see growth and development happen. We want to go out there and maximize the gifts and abilities that God has given us."
 
From a fan's perspective, Hockman wants supporters to see intangibles that won't show up on a stat sheet. "We're hoping they see qualities in us beyond the court," she commented. "Playing the game with integrity, caring for each other deeply, serving the community, serving the university, representing ourselves, and representing Christ are foundational pieces to our program."
 
Fans will have the chance to see the Pioneers this weekend as they host the Hall of Fame City Challenge on September 2-3. Malone opens up the schedule on Friday at 10:00 am with Notre Dame College before a 3:00 pm match with Ohio Dominican.
 
Be sure to follow Malone volleyball action, including pre-game notes and post-game recaps, all season long on malonepioneers.com and on twitter.com/maloneathletics.