This past spring, the Iowa Central volleyball team made history.

Behind a strong group of returning players, the Tritons scored a program-best third place finish at nationals. 

Along the way, they picked up another ICCAC Div. II title and plenty of individual honors.

Now, with many of those key pieces returning for another season, expectations are high for Iowa Central. 

"The team chemistry is already strong so I can't wait to see where that leads," said one of those returning players, Alesha Johnson. "It's been really exciting (being back). All the girls are getting after it and pushing each other."

Johnson is coming off a season that saw her earn conference player of the year honors along with being named an All-American. The third-year sophomore is the driver of the Triton offense from her position on the court. 

Even though she experienced a tremendous year, Johnson didn't let the offseason go to waste.

"I was doing all the proper lifting and running," she said. "And I worked with a trainer, too. I had a setback, but I worked as hard as I could before coming back."

Johnson recorded 934 assists, 242 digs and 57 total blocks in 26 matches last year. That followed up a freshman season in which she had 1,122 assists, 340 digs and 28 total blocks. 

Haley Alharithy, Baylyn Johnson and Devyn Scott are third-year sophomores like Johnson, with several others back for a second season.

"I think the leadership role is actually very spread out," Johnson said. "Some teams have dominant captains, but this year, everyone seems to be cheering each other on and wanting to be a leader of some style. 

"I'm excited and I know the girls are eager for our season to begin. This is going to be a fun year."

Iowa Central begins the year at the McHenry Tournament August 20-21 with the home opener inside Hodges Fieldhouse set for August 24 vs. Briar Cliff JV.

-By Dana Becker