There is a lot of optimism in the Southeast Missouri State volleyball team continuing to contend for a conference championship in its 50th season as a program.

And for good reason.

The Redhawks have been picked to win the Ohio Valley Conference in 2024 by a vote of the league’s head coaches and communication directors on Thursday, August 22.

The Redhawks earned six first place votes, more than any other team. They scored 167 points to finish just ahead of defending champions, Eastern Illinois, who finished with five first place votes and 166 points.

SEMO has been at the OVC Tournament in 12 of the last 13 seasons. In four of the last five years, the Redhawks were in the championship game, most recently winning in 2021.

During the Redhawks Kick-Off Luncheon earlier in the month, 14-year head coach Julie Yankus expressed optimism in the team’s prospects in returning to the conference title game and finishing the job.

"We're gonna get to the championship game this year," Yankus said, "and we're gonna win it."

The Redhawks finished last season with a 22-10 overall record and 12-6 in conference play and were runner-ups in both the regular season and OVC championship. They graduated a team full of seniors last year but still have enough talent to compete again this year. Starting with Preseason All-OVC honoree Lucy Arndt, who finished fourth in the OVC in kills (3.93/set) and points (4.48/set), while being 10th in aces (0.34/set).

"We have 18 people on the roster," Yankus said, "six returners, six freshmen, six transfers, so 12 new people from last season. A big change but we still have a lot of solid leaders that are coming back."

One of those transfers is Abby Johnson, who arrived from Bradley University. The grad student appeared in 103 matches and 341 sets during her time with the Braves, finishing with 666 kills for a. 1.95 kills-per-ratio set. The OVC featured her in its “players to watch” list.

The Redhawks also added two new local products in freshman Holland Guilliams from Jackson and junior Alandry Below from Advance, who transferred after two years at Mineral Area College.

"Alandry is the most competitive person in the gym," Yankus said. "She plays way taller than she is, and she is definitely going to be a fun person to watch this year."

Unfortunately, SEMO doesn't host a home game until Oct. 2, 14 matches into the season, which starts in Arkansas State on Aug. 30.

"We aren't home for a long time but hopefully by the time you can watch us play at home, we'll have a solid record," Yankus said. "We'll have it all figured out by then and just be cruising along."