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
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