The 2019 Hawai`i Hilo volleyball team has ten returnees from last year's team that went 21-7, including seven players that have seen significant playing time in the past two years.

But perhaps the most important returnee, and certainly the most well-known in local volleyball circles, won't hit a winner, serve an ace or block an opponent's shot all season long.

Vulcan assistant and local volleyball guru Chris Leonard is now the interim head coach, stepping into the position this past July.

Leonard replaces Gene Krieger, who left in the spring. Leonard, a member of the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame, was a popular choice among volleyball people in the area.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead a program that has a very storied history," the longtime local coach said. "I have a lot of equity already in this program, it is very near to my heart. We have a great group of returning players and a good recruiting class, giving us more depth than we have had in recent years. I am anxious to get started."

After almost three weeks of practice, the Vulcans will get started this weekend (Sept. 6-7) at the Hawai`i Challenge on Oahu. The Vulcans will open the 2019 season at 12:30 p.m. on Friday against Chico State and square up at 5 p.m. versus Minot State. On Saturday, Sonoma State (10 a.m.) and West Virginia State (5:30 p.m.) will be the opponents.

"We are excited to play someone other than ourselves," Leonard said. "Practices have been competitive and tough. Having these first four matches gives us a chance to see where we really are."

Leonard is very familiar with most of his 18-member squad, the largest Vulcan roster in many years.

"We have a lot of moving pieces, a lot of different options that we can use depending on how we match up with any particular opponent," he said. "It's the deepest roster we have had since I have been involved, which will hopefully make us less prone to the injury bug. I will be confident whenever we have to go to the bench."

There are a few returning Vulcans that likely won't see much bench time.

Junior outside hitter Bria Beale earned First Team All-Pacific West Conference honors last year as a sophomore, leading the Vulcans in kills and listing second in digs and service aces. She was also named to the 2019 Preseason All-PacWest team, a nod of respect from the league's coaches.

Middle blocker Ashton Jessee, also a junior, led the PacWest in blocks per set last year with 1.31. Those numbers also put her at 11^th on the NCAA national list. Opposite hitter Alexandria Parisian was second on the Vulcans in kills (2.67) as a freshman. Jessee stands 6-foot-3 and the lefty Parisian is 6-1.

"Those three are cornerstones for sure, but we will also have a much more balanced attack because of our depth," Leonard said. "We will be very strong in the middle and difficult to defend."

They will also be very tall. In addition to Jessee and Parisian, freshmen Emily Wade (6-3) and Emma Behnam (6-2) add to the block. Sophomore returnee Melina Devela (6-1) and senior middle Armani Moultrie add to a formable front line. Moultrie (5-11) came on strong at the end of 2018, earning PacWest Defender of the Week honors after totaling 12 blocks in road wins over Academy of Art and Holy Names. Kamilla Marinas (5-11), who redshirted last season, adds more depth in the middle.

"We will be big and physical at the net," Leonard echoed. "We should be as big as anyone in the conference."

If the ball gets past the block, and the set on the Vulcan side of the net is to the outside hitters, the Vulcans have some weapons in addition to Beale. Amber Tai was slowed with injuries last year, but played in all 27 matches as a freshman, starting in 13. Similar story for Lucee Fitzgerald, who was third on the Vulcans in kills in 2017 before an injury ended her season and kept her on the shelf in 2018. Tori Daligcon adds depth at outside, having played in half of UHH's matches in each of the last two seasons.

Junior Taira Kaawaloa, a two-time all-league outside hitter selection at Irvine Valley College, will also see court time. Freshman Jordyn Pom-Arleau may redshirt, but has been impressive in practice.

In the back row, the Vulcans lost four-year standout Mina Grant to graduation. But senior Kaila Lizama has been a consistent defensive specialist for the past three seasons and will now carry the full libero load. Freshmen Mia Takai and Maile Goss will vie for playing time behind Lizama.

Which brings us to the setter position. Gone to graduation is PacWest honorable mention selection Basia Sauni. Freshman Kendall Kott, all 6-feet of her, inherits the position with a lot of responsibility on her young shoulders.

"Kendall brings a lot to the floor," Leonard said. "She is six-feet tall, which means we can run a 5-1, which we haven't been able to do for awhile. She has solid club experience, nice hands and seems to have a good connection with our players. That is obviously a very important piece to our team, and I am excited about what she brings now and to the future."

Kott's back-up is not officially settled yet, but it could be Ka`awaloa, Lizama or freshman Kamryn Mitchell.

"In many ways, we are still competing at almost all of the positions," Leonard pointed out. "With 18 on the roster and only 12 allowed on road trips, competition at practice is intense. That makes us better each day.

"Every player is important, and I preach a 'team first' approach. The players have embraced that culture. I always say that a good team will beat a good collection of players."

This year's team has big shoes to fill after the 2018 campaign of 21-7 and 17-5 in the PacWest (tied for third). The Vulcans just missed the postseason. This year, PacWest coaches placed them at fifth in the preseason poll.

"We are not content with being at No. 5, but honestly the top six or seven teams in the PacWest are all very good," Leonard said. "There are no easy matches. You have to be sharp every night."

After the Hawai`i Challenge, the Vulcans will face an even greater challenge in California the following weekend at the D2 West Region Showcase. The crossover tournament features some of the top teams in the west region, including No. 2 nationally ranked Western Washington and host Cal Poly Pomona. The Vikings reached the NCAA title match a year ago, losing in five sets. The Broncos are ranked No. 20 in the first national poll.

"This is the toughest preseason tournament that I have seen in my years here," Leonard confirmed. "I like a strong preseason schedule, it can better prepare us for the tough conference matches that we have."

Speaking of, the Vulcans will open PacWest play at home with a dandy weekend of Hawaiian rivalry matches on Sept. 21-22. On Saturday, Chaminade (picked second in the PacWest) is in town for a 7 pm match, followed by a Sunday encounter (3 pm) with Hawai`i Pacific.

Big crowds can be expected, based on the rivalries and the support that being a coach for over 20 years in the area brings.

"It should be a lot of fun," he smiled. "I really like our team and our fans should know that we will bring a complete effort every night."