The Virginia volleyball program has undergone a tremendous transformation during the last two seasons, leaving outsiders to wonder about the secret that lies behind the Cavaliers' sudden turnaround. The answer is easy: coach Lee Maes.\nBoasting a strong coaching background, Maes took the program's reins last fall after more than 10 years of collegiate experience. After helping with both the men's and women's team at California, Maes served as Nebraska's assistant coach from 2005 to 2007. During his time there, the Cornhuskers were 95-5, winning a national championship in 2006 and capturing three straight Big 12 titles.\nIn addition to his many collegiate coaching feats, Maes also served as head coach for the Junior National A2 Program in 2006 and 2007, leading Team USA to gold medals in the High Performance Championships and the European Global Challenge.\nMaes helped the squad earn its 200th win in Memorial Gymnasium last year and the program's 500th victory overall en route to a 17-15 record.\nAlthough the Cavaliers put together a winning season, Maes' coaching style required many adjustments that led to an up-and-down fall for the Cavaliers. But in the early start to the 2009 season, the nine returning players have showcased that they are already well-versed with the system. After a successful preseason, the Cavaliers currently boast a 4-2 record, fresh off capturing their second consecutive Jefferson Cup title.\n"Everything is the same as last year, but we know it better," senior outside hitter Lauren Dickson said.\nNow that Virginia is more comfortable with Maes' style, the team may have a better shot at a title.\n"The goal is always going to the be same every year: for our team to win an ACC Championship and earn a berth to the NCAA tournament," Maes said.\nMaes' hopes for Virginia fall in line with his willingness to challenge the Cavaliers rather than relax against easier opponents and pad the team's record.\n"If we want to be the best, we have to play the best," Maes said. "We've done that with our scheduling."\nVirginia has already played noteworthy teams such as Northern Iowa and Texas A&M. This Thursday, the squad travels to Nebraska to play in Maes' old home at the Nebraska Coliseum in the Ameritas Players Challenge, where Virginia will take on the Cornhuskers, BYU and national championship contender UCLA.\nThe Cavaliers will be tested in all facets of the game this weekend, but they are not looking to back down.\n"We'd really like to rep the ACC well," sophomore outside hitter Simone Asque said.\nEven if Virginia comes up short this weekend, it still is the beginning of the season, leaving plenty of time for the squad to continue improving with Maes at the helm.\n"We're always going to be a work in progress," Maes said. "We're never going to be satisfied"
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