Ashley Mass and Victoria Henson are not the most vocal players on the ISU volleyball team, but they are stepping into a much-anticipated leadership role.

Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said that she has never had a problem with the All-American tandem contributing with a physical presence, but their lack of vocal communication with teammates during critical points of a match has been something she has been stressing to them.

“With those two, that’s always been the thing,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I always tell them that’s the next step, that’s the next level for them.”

Mass agrees that communication is her main focus of improvement for this year, as the ninth-ranked Cyclones kick off their season Saturday and Sunday with the AVCA Showcase in Omaha, Neb.

“It’s kind of like a challenge for me,” Mass said. “I think I can do it this year.”

Henson has considered herself a leader by example, in the absence of her vocal presence.

“I like to lead by action,” Henson said. “Going after every ball, just trying to get kills, helping the team out. I think when other people see me do that, then it’s kind of like, ‘OK, if she’s doing it, then I can do it’ type of action.”

Mass and Henson have greatly contributed to the team’s success during recent years.

Mass has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the Cyclones, currently sitting at 1,765 career digs, which is second most in team history. She also sits second all-time in 10-dig matches, with 92, and is the program’s all-time leader in 20-dig matches with 31. The Muskego, Wis., native is also second in Cyclone history in 30-dig matches, with five. 

“I’m so confident with her back there,” said Alison Landwehr, sophomore setter, about Mass. “I know it’s going to be a good pass every time, so it makes it a lot easier on me to set up a good ball for our hitters. She gets to about everything and is one of the best liberos in the country, so I couldn’t be more grateful for having her.”

Johnson-Lynch attributes Mass’ success to her natural abilities as well as her work ethic.

“I think consistency is the thing that might set her apart from everyone else in the country,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever coached a player that every day, whether it’s practice or matches, plays at a high level. It’s a difficult skill to acquire, and I think she just has it naturally.”

Henson has demonstrated her talents as an assassin on the court for the Cyclones, recording 1,253 career kills, fourth-most in Cyclone history. The Leavenworth, Kan., native needs only 81 to surpass Erin Boeve for third most all-time in kills, and has averaged 418 kills per season.

Fellow senior Cassie Pratt has not seen the playing time Mass and Henson have, but has instead played a quieter role on the team with improved action. The West Point native came to Iowa State as a setter, but has transformed into a defensive specialist over her years in the cardinal and gold.

“Last year I had an impact with how I would come in and serve during some crucial points,” Pratt, who saw action in 13 matches last season, said. “So I think in that way that’s been my role.”

During the years, Pratt has bonded with Mass and Henson, as the trio has experienced a lot together since their arrival in Ames.

“We’ve all become really good friends,” Pratt said. “I think that experiencing everything together in the same class has really brought us closer together.”

The seniors may not be yelling their lungs off after every play, but their performance on the court has been giving the world of college volleyball something to talk about.

The Cyclones open their home season with four games in two days Friday, Sept. 3 at the Iowa State Challenge, beginning with a game against UW-Milwaukee at Ames High School.