SAN FRANCISCO – Nine years ago, Academy of Art University volleyball stepped onto the court for the first time. Now, armed with a talented core of returners and energetic freshmen, the Urban Knights look to start a new chapter moving into the program's decade birthday.

The 2016 season was head coach Ray Batalon's third year with the program and it saw the Knights sweep season series against multiple Pacific West Conference opponents, set program records, and bid farewell to two accomplished four-year seniors. For more on ART U's 2016 campaign, click here!

Beginning this Thursday at Humboldt State, the Knights' 2017 schedule takes the form of 27 matches with one West Region tournament, 11 home contests, a brief stop in Hawaii, and the opportunity to go head-to-head with many strong opponents in the Pacific West Conference. For a full breakdown of Academy of Art's 2017 schedule, click here!

Among the team's leaders are seniors Margaret Winkler and Bailey Soolsma, a middle blocker and outside hitter duo that combined for over four points and nearly two blocks per set last year. They join a trio of juniors in setter Alana Lucas, libero Lyndsay Mlynar, and middle blocker Safua Elisaia. Mlynar led ART U in digs per set while Elisaia was third in points per set.

With their first collegiate years complete, setter Lilika Teu, middle blocker Jennifer Argelander, and outside hitter Ema Causevic look to continue to grow while outside hitter Talia Thompson returns for her redshirt freshman season. Other freshman faces include outside hitters Kimiah Johnson and Ashley Pawlak along with defensive specialist/outside Michaela Charrette and middle blocker Sadie Emery. That quartet figures to step right into the regular rotation as all bring accomplished high school backgrounds. For more on the freshmen recruits, click here!

The 10th year of Academy of Art University volleyball may feature a new look from years past, but the team remains united toward succeeding on and off the court.