• Head Coach: Ross Johnson, eighth season (1999-2006, 2008)

• Last year: 1-9 4A Kingco (10th place), 1-12 overall under head coach Belton Lubas

• 2008 player turnout: More than 40, cut down to 14 on JV and 12 on Varsity

Top returners

• Jr. Rachel Rosen, middle: Quick hitter and solid blocker has potential to be league leader statistically.

• Jr. Lindsey Elliason, outside: Strong-armed hitter has improved significantly from last year

• Jr. Joanna French, setter: Athletic, smart and quick, her role to set up the hitters will be instrumental to the team’s success

• Sr. Taylor Danowski, libero: One of three experienced varsity seniors, she will anchor the defense in the backcourt.

Key newcomer

• Soph. Ashley Swanson, middle: Strong player impressed during tryouts and will most likely start at second middle.

Key games

• Sept. 9 at Bellevue: Season opener will answer many questions about the Mustangs’ ability to be competitive in 4A Kingco this year.

• Sept. 23 vs. Issaquah: Home game against the Eagles will be a challenge, performance in this match will show Redmond’s true progression and whether they can complete against an elite 4A team.