Transitions can lead to anxiety, whether it is relocating to a new city … or switching jobs … or retooling a volleyball team. 

Such are the anxious moments that await fifth-year head coach Cally Plummer as she resets her John Carroll University volleyball team after the departure of three four-year varsity players. 

“We have some losses to deal with, no question,” said Plummer. “But I also think we have reason for excitement. We like the team we have coming back, and we get an infusion of talent which should help also.” 

Her level of comfort with the transition is eased by the fact that one of the players remaining in the fold is two-time all-conference Meredith McDiarmid. 

The three-year starter at setter and the team's lone senior brings over 3,000 career assists to the table, and will set up an offense featuring Kerry Fox (3rd in the OAC in '09 with 2.95 kills per game ) and Laura Sudo (.253 hitting percentage, 0.60 blocks per game) -- both of whom are reliable blockers as well. 

Rachel Hasel returns for her sophomre season and will challenge for increased playing time.

The defense is in good hands with sophomores Jess Hammer (2.77 digs per game) and Melanie Rodriguez (2.44 digs per game) back for a second year. Two other sophomores -- Emily Bendzak and Megan McGonigle -- showed promise in limited time on the court.

Plummer's challenge is to mix in an accomplished group of newcomers with the returners and make the transition a seamless one. 

“Until they play at the college level, you never quite know what to expect, but let's just say we feel good about the potential of what this class can bring to our program,” said Plummer. “If the potential can be realized, we could have a fun year.”