The Kohawks received four first-place votes, three second-place votes and a third-place vote, totaling 67 points in the IIAC volleyball Coaches' Poll.
Central College, which has won or shared each of the past 12 IIAC volleyball titles, and Simpson College, a seven-time IIAC champion which tied the Dutch for their most recent title in 2006, tied for second place with 64 points apiece. Central garnered two first-place votes, four second-place votes, and two third-place votes, while Simpson picked up three first-place votes, two second-place votes, and three third-place votes. The complete 2008 IIAC Volleyball Coaches' Poll follows.
Rank School (1st place votes) Points 2007 Record
1 Coe (4) 67 19-11, 6-2 IIAC
T2 Simpson (3) 64 20-14, 4-4 IIAC
T2 Central (2) 64 27-9, 8-0 IIAC
4 Luther 43 15-15, 3-5 IIAC
5 Cornell 41 13-20, 3-5 IIAC
6 Wartburg 35 17-18, 6-2 IIAC
7 Buena Vista 34 9-21, 3-5 IIAC
8 Loras 38 15-18, 1-7 IIAC
9 Dubuque 20 18-17, 2-6 IIAC
Coe returns two starters and three letterwinners from last season's 19-11 team that finished tied for second in the Conference with a 6-2 record. The Kohawks led the IIAC in kills (15.19/game) and assists (13.97/game) in 2007. Senior outside hitter Shayla Chalker (Melbourne, Aus./Upwey), a First Team All-Conference selection last season, led the league with a .313 attack percentage and was fourth in kills with a 4.19 per game average. She also posted a team-high 435 kills, ranked second on the team with 124.0 total blocks and fifth with 284 digs.
Sophomore middle blocker Taylor Coots (Bettendorf, Iowa/Bettendorf) was third on the team in total blocks (117.0) and fourth in kills (222) and service aces (29). Sophomore defensive specialist Leah Koelker (Dyersville, Iowa/Beckham) made 91 digs in 45 games last season.
Coe head coach DeAnn Woodin says, "This year is going to be as competitive as ever in the Iowa Conference, as several teams are returning experienced players and gaining talented freshman. We also have some great leaders on our squad and will use their abilities to build on the success of our program. It's going to be an exciting season!"
