For the ISU volleyball team to repeat the magic of last year’s postseason run, new faces will have to step in and perform. But what might be more critical to the team’s success is the emergence of leadership.

The Cyclones graduated four starters from last year’s team that made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Those four had played a combined 412 matches – experience that was critical for the team’s success down the stretch.

Going into the season, Iowa State is still looking for its leaders to step forward and take charge. The four seniors – Erin Boeve, Laura Cady, Lauren Cummings and Meghan Ferrie – each bring different characteristics that could mesh together to form one united front.

“We’ve got four great seniors on this team, and I think we each bring different aspects to our leadership,” Cummings said.

The obvious player to turn to is Boeve, who has played in 302 of 330 games in the past three years.

But after playing with such strong leaders in past seasons, guiding the team is something she hasn’t had to do at Iowa State.

“Being a leader is a different role for me,” Boeve said. “I remember being a leader in high school, but now to come back at the college level is different.”

She is admittedly not a vocal leader, preferring to let her effort speak for itself. Switching positions is an example of her willingness to help the team, and the work she has put in to acclimate herself to her new position is further proof.

“Boeve is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached,” said coach Christy Johnson.

“She is just a perfect role model for everyone else, especially the younger players.”

The other seniors may not have as much playing experience as Boeve, but they each have qualities that should prove valuable.

Both Cady and Cummings joined the team as walk-ons and have worked hard to prove they belong in the Big 12. Both started at some point last year and should be significant factors again this season.

Their ascent from walk-ons to starters provides a blueprint for the younger Cyclones.

The setter is usually counted on to be a leader based on the nature of the position. The offense runs through that position, so the setter controls the tempo of the team. The Cyclones don’t have a veteran in that position with sophomore Kaylee Manns, but she is embracing the fact she needs to lead despite her youth.

“I hope that the team sees me as a leader,” Manns said. “We have a lot of seniors who are great leaders so I am hoping I can just help them out.”

Her coach is hoping she can do a little more than just help out. A setter during her playing days, Johnson knows how important Manns’ progress will be to the team.

“Every week we ask her to do a little more,” Johnson said. “I see her as an emerging leader.”

It is yet to be seen who will step up and demand the ball on match point or rally the team after a tough loss. This might happen in the first game of the season or in mid-October at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Until then, the team has a special camaraderie that will get them through the rough times.

These girls share more than a love of the game: a tight friendship.

“We have a really unique team this year,” Cummings said. “I get along with everyone on the team and we just have great chemistry that will help us a lot this season.”

Cyclones’ 2007 roster

Name, Year, Position, Height

Mary Bisenius, Jr., OH, 6-0

Erin Boeve, Sr., OH/RS, 6-2

Laura Cady, Sr., DS/L, 5-9

Myranda Casterline, Fr., OH, 5-9

Lauren Cummings, Sr., RS, 6-0

Meghan Ferrie, Sr., OH/RS, 6-2

Victoria Henson, RFr., OH, 5-11

Diane Kieger, So., MB, 6-1

Jen Malcom, Jr., MB, 6-1

Kaylee Manns, So., S, 5-10

Ashley Mass, Fr., DS/L, 5-8

Cassie Pratt, Fr. S, 5-10

Amy Vos, Jr., DS/L, 5-7

Rachel Williams, Fr., OH/MB, 6-1

2006 Record:

21-11 (12-8 in Big 12)

Coach Christy Johnson’s career record at Iowa State:

37-26