DeKALB – A whirlwind of change swept through the DeKalb volleyball program last season. The team was holding camp with the older players running the practices until coach Jamie DiMaggio was brought in late in the offseason.

So what did a short evaluation process and an even shorter window to create team chemistry before the season started yield?

A 22-13 overall record, first place at the Belevidere North Invitational and a sectional championship.

DiMaggio said that she can’t wait to see what her team can do now with a full offseason and camp under her watchful eye.

“The girls are disciplined and working hard,” DiMaggio said. “Last year, I felt super-rushed to be in the gym and doing skill work with the girls. The first practice this season, we did a lot of fun team-building activities because I don’t feel as rushed. Our seniors are really stepping up. Hannah [Ohelberg] and Jasmine [Kemp] always do a great job. But besides those two, Emma Fellabaum is doing a great job, too, as are Lydia Sabanish and Jessa Henry.”

The Barbs have a strong core of players who make up their starting six. They’re led by two standout seniors – Kemp, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker committed to Northern Illinois University, and Ohelberg, a 5-11 outside hitter committed to IUPUI – who make up a formidable net-front presence that is tough for coaches to game plan for.

“We’re better prepared this year,” Kemp said. “The pace is slower and easier to handle. We have even higher goals this season than we did last year.”

Ohelberg echoed the sentiments of her teammate.

“We’ve been working really hard this summer, and I think it shows,” Ohelberg said. “This is why you do two-a-days and practice all summer.”

The Barbs are 2-1 and will open conference play Sept. 12 when they travel to Kaneland to play the Knights.