But Clearfield High alum Kate Robison gets to do more than that while trying to replace Lyndsey Henderson or Liana Bortoto. She will also have to fend off competition from two of the most talented recruits to come to the U. in a long time.

After a high-school career that saw her make first team all-state twice, Robison made an instant impact off the bench for the MWC champion Utes in 2004, playing in 37 games and averaging 1.27 kills per game.

Joining Robison in the fray for a possible starting role at outside hitter this season will be incoming freshmen Airial Salvo and Kathryn Lovell. Salvo was ranked the 10th-best recruit in the country by prepvolleyball.com and Lovell holds the Utah high-school kill record- a title she took from U.S. Olympic star and former Highland High School player Logan Tom.

But Robison doesn't see the potential friendly rivalry as being unpleasant; in fact, for her, it's quite the opposite.

"It will be a lot of competition, so we will all have to earn it," Robison said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

If it seems odd that Robison doesn't appear nervous about the prospect of competing for a job, it's because she is no stranger to either player. Lovell's Woods Cross Wildcats played Clearfield several times in nonregion matches and Salvo's Viewmont Vikings knocked off Clearfield for the Class 5-A state title in Robison's senior year.

But Robison and Salvo's relationship is far from adversarial. The two [along with current Ute Emillie Toone] were two key players for the High Country club team back in their high school days. The team with the soon-to-be Ute trio went further than any squad from High Country ever had - winning an out-of-state tournament and making the National Open Championships, where it finished 13th.

While the competition with the newcomers may be fierce, Robison thinks that she will already have an edge, having been through a full season at the collegiate level.

"I now know what to expect, so I know better what to prepare myself for," Robison said. "I'm not as scared because I know what's coming at me."

During the offseason, Robison has worked on her hitting, passing and defense, and recently had the opportunity to play against international competition when the Global Challenge was in Salt Lake City. Teams representing North America, Europe and Asia were all in attendance, giving several Utes, including Robison, a chance to learn some of the international style.

"Volleyball is a little different internationally," said Robison, a member of the U.S. junior team. "The tactics are different. They play a different game. It's still volleyball, but they do things a little different than we do, so it's always fun to do something a little different and not the same thing over and over again."

In August, Robison will return to the U. to try to improve on last season. And while there are many new faces, she expects big things from the Utes.

"I think we will be better and go farther in the NCAA Tournament," Robison said. "Our goal is to repeat as MWC champions and win the MWC tournament this time."

Robison and the Utes will open the 2005 season at Crimson Court on Aug. 26 against Idaho State.