Summer is slowly coming to an end and the leaves are starting to change colors. This means classes are beginning to start back, and fall sports are heading into full swing. Time to bring out the crystal balls and call up the psychic hotlines for predictions.Volleyball

(12-15, 3-7 ODAC last year)

Overview: The volleyball team is coming off of one of their best years since 2002, when they finished 12-17 with a 5-5 mark in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Coach Emily Gann is very excited about this upcoming season. With 10 returning players, the team looks to take a step in the right direction. The team will be taller, stronger, and faster this year.

Big Hitters: There are ten returning players who will all play a vital role in the team’s success. Senior outside hitter Courtney Kozar, who was second on the team in kills last year, joins sophomore outside hitter Brittany Freeman, who returns as the Quakers’ leading hitter in kills and service aces. Taylor Phillips, an All-ODAC honorable mention and setter, returns after finishing fifth in assists in the conference.

They said it: “I am very excited about the opportunities ahead of us. With all of the returning experience and new talent I am expecting this to be a great season.” – Gann

My Take: The Quakers have a solid team coming back and have plenty of experience on the court. Coming into the season with high expectations, the team should be a strong contender in the ODAC. The team will not be easily defeated; they look like they are going to be in the middle of the pack in the ODAC. Even though the team was picked eighth in the ODAC preseason poll, I believe they will finish in sixth.

Men’s Soccer

(8-12-1, 3-7 ODAC last year)

Overview: Coach Jeff Bateson has a positive outlook coming into this season. With a large number of veterans returning with a lot of experience, there is an overall expectation of success for this team.

Key Players: Fortunately, the team didn’t lose anyone from last year’s team. Adding to the group of talented first-years, the team has four transfers. Sophomore midfielders Ronnie Castellanos and Freddy Gomez bring back strong scoring presence to the team. Ronnie ended the season with nine goals and four assists. Freddy finished the season leading the Quakers’ offense with 11 goals and five assists.

They Said it: “We have a lot of upperclass leadership and work ethic returning who show the young/new players what is expected of them at practices, in games, and off the field. We are taking each day as its own and making it a goal to become better each day.” – Bateson

My Take: Despite an eighth place ranking in the preseason ODAC Coaches’ Poll, the Quakers seem like they are going to be a top contender in the ODAC this year. They have a lot of talent to get the job done on the field. With a few losses going the other way, I feel the Quakers will come in fifth in the conference.

Women’s Soccer

(7-12-1, 4-6-1 ODAC last year)

Overview: The Quakers coming into the 2010 season were ranked eighth in the preseason poll. After a decent year, the team is looking to improve in the ODAC. With the experience coming back and the talent group that was brought in, the Quakers should have an excellent season.

Key Players: The Quakers have 11 returners bringing experience and leadership to the team this year. Goalie Kat Adams, who had 96 saves last season, brings her skills back to the team. Also returning is midfielder Bri Eilman, who had seven goals and four assists last year. Both will continue to be an impact players on the team.

They Said It: “We are faster, more athletic and more focused coming into this year.” – Head coach Eric Lewis

My Take: With such a strong conference in the ODAC, The Quakers will have their hands full this season. I don’t see the team taking the conference by storm, but I do see them making some noise in the conference. I see the Quakers finishing sixth in the ODAC.

Men & Women Cross Country

The ODAC cross country coaches tabbed Guilford College’s men’s and women’s teams sixth out of ten teams in their annual preseason polls. Few returners and little experience being brought back to the team may be harmful to the team during the season. The Quakers look to keep improving in the conference.

Key Returners: Derick Kosgei, who received all-region honors in 2009, returns looking to improve on his 33rd place finish in the South/Southeast Regional Championships. Richard Rogers, who owns the fastest eight-kilometer time in school history at 27.21.0 further strengthens the Quakers’ squad. Morgan Freyer, who had the best six-kilometer time on the team at 27.47.20 last year, also brings her skills back to the team.

They Said It: “As a team the men’s team has a legit chance of winning conference as for the women’s we are short on number, but we will be better than last year.” – Head coach Heidi Pinkerton

My Take: I feel like both teams will continue to make improvement to get better this season. With Pinkerton excited about this season both teams should do very well in the ODAC. I feel the men’s will be top three in the conference and the women will improve and become fourth in the conference.

Football

(3-7, 2-4 ODAC last year)

Overview: Coming off a disappointing season last year, the Quakers look to improve this year. Only losing four seniors, and bringing in a talented crowd of players, Coach Kevin Kiesel seems to have a solid team. The experienced returners here should greatly help lead this team to do big things.

Imapact Players: Guilford expects 11 starters among 44 letter winners returning this year. Redshirt-senior receiver Justin Parker is one of the Quakers’ top offensive veterans. Junior defensive back Kenneth Hyman III leads returning defenders coming back from last year’s team. Parker led Guilford with 55 receptions for 493 yards and three touchdowns last year. Hyman ranked third on the team with two interceptions and led the Quakers with seven pass breakups.