The Warhawk women’s volleyball team is back. After last season’s disappointing early exit in the NCAA Division III Regionals to Wartburg College, the 20th ranked ‘Hawks (AVCA top 25 poll) have high hopes for the upcoming season.

Despite the departure of All-Americans Katy Krajnak and Caitlin Hogan, the ‘Hawks boast a strong squad that features senior outside hitter Sofia Sanchez and senior liberos Kelli Trautmann and Alyssa Bauer.

While Sanchez has always been on talented teams here at Whitewater, she acknowledges that this season could be a special one.

“I think the team’s expectations are very high,” Sanchez said. “We always shoot high. We shoot for a conference title, [and we] hope for regionals and to win a national championship.”

Outsiders are taking notice of the ‘Hawks as well; the WIAC sports information directors have pegged the team as the favorite to win the conference.

Despite this added pressure, Head Coach Stacy Boudreau said the pressure won’t negatively affect the team.

“It doesn’t change anything that we’re doing,” Boudreau said. “That’s the position that we always want to be in. I think that it speaks a lot about what people think of this program and what they think our potential is this year.”

The ‘Hawks’ potential this year may be promising enough to win more than a conference championship. For senior Sofia Sanchez, she sees this season as one last shot to get to the top.

“I came in here (UW-Whitewater) and I wanted a national championship from the very first day,” Sanchez said. “This one final shot means everything. I really want to get this team to a national championship and be back on top where we belong.”

For those who decide to attend a match at Kris Russell Volleyball Arena, they will see a different style of play than last year. While the ‘Hawks’ offensive game is sound, their defense is what may set them apart from others this season.

“We are going to be a team that plays some really tough defense and we’re not going to let that ball hit the floor,” Boudreau said.

With a new defense, senior leadership and their goals set high, the ’Hawks have their eyes set on more than just another WIAC title.

“Every year we pride ourselves on saying ‘hey, we want to go out there and compete for a national championship,’” Boudreau said. “That’s our goal every year, that’s why we’re at UW-Whitewater.”