After bringing in the first nationally ranked recruiting classes in program history — No. 15 in 2009 and an even more impressive No. 9 this season — it seems coach Lee Maes sure knows how to reel them in.
Maes, in his third season at Virginia, came to Charlottesville after a three-year stint as the head women’s assistant coach at Nebraska. His experience there and what he called “attention to detail and excellence” have made an immediate impact on the Virginia program, particularly in terms of the team’s roster.
“With the recruiting class we have coming in, they’re going to obviously allow us to be in an environment where it’s going to be very competitive,” said Maes, who has rebuilt his squad completely during the past year, welcoming new assistant Jenny Andrew, five freshmen and one transfer from Notre Dame.
The result of Maes’ effective recruiting is a solid foundation of depth, an asset that has eluded the Cavaliers in years past.
The coaching staff hopes the addition of sophomore transfer Beth Wildermuth, a setter, will take some of the load off fellow sophomore Rachel Gray. With previous collegiate experience, Wildermuth will be a leader in her own right.
“Another strength I bring to the program is my ability to effectively call plays and run the team’s offense,” Wildermuth said.
This year, the team also has its first-ever overseas prospect, freshman outside hitter Nika Šimenc.
“She brings international experience to our program, great size and a well-rounded skill set,” Maes said.
Another versatile player Maes added to his program comes in a small package. Though only 5-foot-8, freshman Emily Rottman can take on the front row as an outside hitter — she can almost reach 10 feet high — or hold down the back row as a libero. Rottman has already proven to be a solid addition to Maes’ squad: She was named ACC Freshman of the Week after tallying 28 digs in her debut performance against Valparaiso.
“We expect her to make an immediate impact in our program of her ball-handling skills in the back row and knowing that her athleticism and physical abilities will allow us to compete in the front row as well,” Maes said.
Completing the group of new outside hitters are freshmen McKenzie Adams and Rachel Clark.
The 6-foot-3 Adams brings a more traditional presence to the back row and has experience as a passer in her prep career.
Although Virginia managed only 12 victories last season — a significant decline from 2008’s 17-win campaign — this year’s Cavaliers have jumped out to a promising 3-0 start. With an array of new talent at his disposal, Lee Maes — described as “constructive rather than destructive” by freshman middle hitter Mallory Woolridge — may soon guide Virginia to new heights in the Atlantic Coast Conference.