Forrest Gump’s mother always said that “life is like a box chocolates: You never know what you’re going to get.”

That’s been the story for NIU volleyball this offseason. With 10 underclassmen on roster and only one senior, it’s kind of hard to know what to expect from this team, especially after the loss of standout outside hitter Meagan Schoenrock.

Junior outside hitter Allison McGlaughlin will inevitably be looked to as a leader with Schoenrock’s departure. McGlaughlin took some time to talk to the Northern Star about this team’s youth and her role as a leader.

Northern Star: The team is pretty young, there’s a lot of inexperience at this level on the roster. How are you liking what you’re seeing out of the team so far?

Alison McGlaughlin: I think we’re going to be really good this year, I’m really excited about the team. I think we’re getting along really well, which will hopefully transfer onto the court. I think skill-wise we look really good too, so I’m excited.

NS: With Maddie Hughes being the only senior on the team, have you taken it upon yourself to step up and take more of a leadership role, since you do have quite a bit of experience?

AG: I think I have this year a lot more than I have in the past. I really have been more of a leader in action. I’ve tried to make sure I’ve been keeping good relations with the freshmen, I helped them with their schedules and on the court too. I’ve just been trying to make sure I stay positive around them. I just feel more comfortable now that I’m an upperclassman. I guess I just feel more comfortable in a leadership position.

NS: Your first games are tomorrow. How excited are you to get back out onto the court?

AG: I’m really excited. We’ve been working really hard for the past, what’s going to be three weeks, and I’m really excited to finally play and see what we all can do together.