Five players are back from the championship season, including All-American libero Katie Latenser and defensive specialist Emily Goodlin.  The other three returnees saw limited action last year, but played well when their number was called.  Stinson has added seven talented newcomers, and all 12 are eager to earn the right to defend their NJCAA Championship.

    While Stinson and her assistant Jenny Ei are excited about the upcoming season, they will be the first to tell you a lot must take place for their Cavaliers can talk about a return trip to Scottsdale, Ariz., in late November, site of the 2006 NJCAA D-II Championship.

    JCCC has several holes it must fill this season.  Gone are All-America hitters Lauren Kracl and Emily Escher, along with all-district performers Christine Watson, Katie Jaschke and Ashley Simmons.  But those loses are expected each year.  At the community college level, players come and go on a regular basis.  

    With that much talent gone, and only two sophomores back who saw significant action, the newcomers will have ample opportunity to step in and make an immediate impact.  

    “It really going to be a battle for most starting positions,” said Stinson.  “Hopefully this group will respond well to competing against each other.  Every player on the roster will have a chance to step forward.”

    However the highly touted newcomers are just that - new to the Cavaliers, new to collegiate volleyball and new to the rugged competition the team will face in 2006.  The schedule is again a tremendous challenge.   JCCC faces four teams ranked in the preseason, including No. 1 Cowley, No. 2 Kishwaukee, No. 14 Central Nebraska and Coffeyville, who received votes.  JCCC also has matches with Iowa Lakes, a tournament qualifier last year, Kirkwood, Des Monies Area, Southwestern Iowa, Redlands and perennial division I power Iowa Western.

    “Our schedule this year is similar to our schedules in the past,”  Stinson said.  “We are excited about the challenges this schedule presents.  I believe our schedule benefits us when postseason arrives.  We already have played big matches against tournament caliber competition.”

    The Cavaliers do face many challenges this season, but with the talent level Stinson and Ei have put together, it should be another prosperous campaign.  the JCCC volleyball program has developed a winning tradition and reputations synonymous with success.  The coaches and players are about to embark on a mission to continue to enhance that tradition.