She jumps, she flies, she rolls, she dives. She?s Sarah Chlebana.

The Sac State volleyball team has a few surprises in store for its fans this season. New faces, position changes and a new captain leading the way. Chlebana, a senior, has taken on the challenge and responsibility of captain for Sac State.

Coach Debby Colberg made the decision to make Sarah the captain for a number of reasons. “I needed a good example on the court and off the court, someone who can do the talking on the court, especially with the officials,” Colberg said. “And her teammates respect her.”

A good example is not all Colberg got when she recruited this 5?10″, 21-year-old from Calgary, Alberta. Chlebana came to Sac State as a freshman and has made her mark on the court ever since. Last season Chlebana started every game as a middle hitter and was among the top three statistical leaders in every category: hitting percentage, kills, digs, assists, blocks and service aces. However, this year Colberg has decided to move her to the outside.

“Sarah is the smallest middle blocker in the conference,” Colberg said. “She might see action in both positions because she?s so versatile.”

Chlebana is comfortable with the expectations set upon her, too.

“I love to play and I get to see a different part of the game. It?s a challenge, but I?ll play wherever they need me,” she said.

As captain, Chlebana also plays the role of team mom.

“She makes all of the decisions of what the team wears to practice and in the games,” Colberg said. “She makes sure they have all the information they need; stuff I don?t really need to deal with.”

This will be Sarah?s fourth and final season with the Hornets and she is hoping to make it a memorable one.

“I?m looking forward to the pressure and the challenge of leading by providing consistency and calmness and by stepping up my game,” Chlebana said.

The challenge of her game and leadership skills are not the only obstacles she faces. Majoring in computer engineering, she will continue her education at Sac State even after her athletic eligibility is up.

One of Chlebana?s teammates, middle hitter Tasman Dwyer, has every confidence in Chlebana?s skills on and off the court.

“Sarah?s a strong all-around player, she leads by example,” Dwyer said. “It?s never a roller-coaster ride, she?s really consistent.”

Chlebana and Dwyer both hold Big Sky honors from last year?s performances. Chlebana was a second team All-Big Sky selection and junior Tasman Dwyer received honorable mention. Though these two players were set apart from the rest of their teammates, they remain modest and focused on the task at hand.

“We?re just six players on the court, and we have no idea what the starting line-up will be ?we?re all equal,” Dwyer said.

Equal may not be the right word for it, but talented is definitely fair. This season the Hornets are carrying seven new freshmen including Chlebana?s younger sister, Julia, who will be a red-shirt this year. Although they have a young roster, the coaches and players are confident about their team.

“With such a big freshman class everyone gets along really well. We all have to work together, that?s how we?ll win games,” Dwyer said. “We?re young, but a tough team to beat.” Chlebana and her Hornet teammates host Northern Arizona on Saturday, at 7 p.m. in Hornet Gym.