With the rollercoaster season the ISU volleyball team has had thus far, few elements have stayed consistent.

One that has stayed consistent is the depth the Cyclones possess at every spot on the floor, and this versatility has helped them remain in the nation’s top 25 all season.

“What’s really great about this team this year is we have major, significant substitutions we can make in every position,” said ISU head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch. “That’s a nice position to be in.”

The majority of the depth has come from the play of the freshmen. Considering this year’s class was ranked No. 6 in the country, the expectations were much higher than normal.

Freshman setter and outside hitter Andie Malloy came to Iowa State as a member of ESPN HS’s 2011 All-American team and one of the top recruits in the country. The Texas native could have found a starting spot just about anywhere in the country but chose Iowa State and has played an influential role off the bench.

“To have someone like Andie Malloy, who can come off the bench and really do a great job, that’s key for us,” Johnson-Lynch said.

Malloy has played in just more than half of the team’s sets thus far. Whether it’s been coming up with six kills on the road against TCU or coming in for Rachel Hockaday to take a break, Malloy has made an impact with the Cyclones and isn’t even an everyday player yet.

Another reserve the Cyclones have utilized this season is redshirt freshman Tory Knuth. The Johnston, Iowa, native has provided much-needed help throughout the season when her teammates have had rough matches and averages more than 1.6 kills per set.

Knuth has seen action in half of the matches this season and while she doesn’t have the opportunity to take a large amount of swings, the swings she does take usually prove successful. Her .273 hitting percentage is fourth-best on the squad.

And then, there’s Caitlin Nolan. Malloy’s Texan counterpart came in this season as a libero at heart, but with reigning Big 12 Libero of the Year Kristen Hahn already on the team, Nolan switched to defensive specialist so she could play immediately. 

One moment, she can be chasing down a ball no one thinks she can get, and the next, she’s rattling off a string of five or six consecutive points serving. Whatever it may be, Nolan gives the team versatility at the libero position, something Johnson-Lynch said she’s never had.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a year where I’ve felt so confident that we have a great sub in every position,” Johnson-Lynch said.

Setter Jenelle Hudson switched her position as well, moving to more of a back-row role with Alison Landwehr, setting the majority of the balls for Iowa State. Both Hudson and Nolan have provided serving help for the Cyclones with Hudson averaging .37 aces per set.

Hudson can also handle receiving. Against TCU on the road, Hudson notched 14 digs to tie Hahn for the team leader in the 3-0 rout.

Being able to bring players off the bench that are more than capable of starting elsewhere provides a plethora of options for Iowa State. Not only does it allow the starters to take a breather every so often, but it also doesn’t make the team live and die off a select few players.

If Hockaday or Jamie Straube are having an off night, Knuth or  Malloy can come off the bench without hesitation. On the other side, if Hahn or  Landwehr are unable to play, Nolan and Hudson are available as well.

“It’s the strongest bench we’ve ever had, that I can remember,” Johnson-Lynch said.

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Cory Weaver is a senior in journalism from Maple Grove, Minn.