TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – Washburn Volleyball held its annual media day on Monday and the Ichabods are full of high hopes for what the 2024 season can bring.

Having participated in the national championships just three years ago, this program always comes with high expectations.

“I think the kids from last year who have come back to us are not very happy with how the season ended. I think that’s a little bit of a motivating factor for all of them,” said head coach Chris Herron.

A 17-11 season without an NCAA tournament appearance in 2023 is not good enough for this team, and the experienced players on the team are additionally motivated to reach higher levels in 2024.

“One of our mottos is we want to beat the teams we should beat and the teams we shouldn’t beat,” senior outside hitter Jalyn Stevenson said. “So we’re going to play our best every time because teams play their best against us, we get their best games because we’re Washburn volleyball, that’s just who we are.”

To further encourage the returning players, this class of talented newcomers is full of Ichabods who will keep them fighting for their starting spots.

“We’re bringing a lot of really great freshmen, competitive freshmen that are going to challenge the players, try to earn that spot, and the players are going to try to keep their spot,” said junior setter Sydney Conner.

The Ichabods will begin their 2024 season on September 5 and host their first home game on October 3.

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