Of course, being better is not too difficult considering the 2009 team, Aubuchon's first at KWU, went 1-34 overall, with the only win coming via forfeit.

Better not only record wise, but talent wise is something that Aubuchon and the Coyotes are looking forward to in 2010.

"I think with the players we have added and the work we did in the off season, we are stronger, deeper and with the changes in the KCAC rules, I think we now have enough time to prepare ourselves to start the season."

The KCAC recently passed its new Sport Regulation Initiative over the summer, allowing teams to begin practice for fall sports earlier than ever before, which is benefitting all fall sports programs.

Aubuchon's number one concern is what the Coyotes will be able to do once they get into conference play in the KCAC.

"I would like to be a really great team, but my number one concern is what we can do in the KCAC," he said. "In the future my concerns can be even higher, but this year it's all about holding our own in the KCAC."

The Coyotes have 21 players on the 2010 roster, up considerably from the last few years, and the coaching staff sees a strong mix of newcomers and returning players competing for playing time this year.

"I feel very comfortable with our depth at every position this year," Aubuchon said. "I know that we are very strong with the number twos at every position, which makes me feel very confident heading into the year."

The Coyotes were very inexperienced at the setter position last season, alternating starting time between two freshmen last year. Aubuchon turned to his recruiting class to bring in some much needed collegiate experience at that position which will pay immediate dividends to the team this year.

"Our inexperience at the setter position was one of my main concerns in the off season," Aubuchon said.

Newcomers Juli Miles (5-6, Jr., Anaheim, Calif. / Fullerton College (Calif.)) and Jennifer Long (5-9, Jr., Ulysses, Kan. / Lamar CC (Colo.)) immediately step into the mix.

"Both Juli and Jennifer come in with junior college experience and defensive experience and will be difference makers for us this year," he said.

Aubuchon's number one concern in the offseason was the play in the back row. He felt the passing element was just not there last year and that hurt the Coyotes.

Joining returners Tiffany Goetz (5-6, Jr., Hoxie, Kan. / Hoxie HS) and Jordyn Rahlf (5-9, Jr., Kasson, Minn. / Kasson-Mantorville HS) are newcomers Pauline Yang (5-4, So., Kansas City, Kan. / Coffeyville CC (Kan.)) and her sister Marlene (5-0, Fr., Kansas City, Kan. / Turner HS), Kelsey Boyles (6-0, Jr., Salina, Kan. / Highland CC (Kan.)) and Allie Myers (5-5, Fr., Salina, Kan. / Salina Central HS). Aubuchon feels that combining the defensive experience at setter with the improved back row play should provide offensive and defensive stability.

"Tiffany and Jordyn have improved vastly over last season and with the newcomers, our back row is very strong this year," he said. "It may be our strong point for the season."

Heading into the preseason, Aubuchon felt that the middle hitter position was going to be the strong point in the front row, but as practice has progressed, the outsides have really made strides on both the left and right sides.

Two newcomers have been key to rebuilding the middle hitter position. Those players include Boyles, who missed all of last season with a knee injury and Jamisha Johnson (5-10, Jr., Dodge City, Kan. / Dodge City CC (Kan.)).

"Both are juniors with collegiate experience behind them, which made me feel really good about our middles, but our outsides have progressed greatly during practice so far," he said."

On the outside, Aubuchon has seen great improvement in a couple of the returning players in Rahlf and Faith Ramsey (5-10, So., Wellington, Colo. / Highland HS), and freshman Lauren Chamness (5-11, Fr., Littleton, Colo. / Columbine HS) will give the Coyotes a big boost on the outside.

"Jordyn has vastly improved at the outside position, showing more consistency so far in camp, and the addition of Lauren has given us a big boost on the outside," he said. "The biggest surprise so far in camp has been the play of Faith Ramsey. She came into camp well prepared and has improved almost every facet of her game and will be competing for a spot on the right side for us."

The Coyotes will open the season September 3 at the St. Xavier / Illinois Tech Tournament in Chicago against some top competition.

"It's going to be a great test to show us what we truly need to work on," Aubuchon said. "The whole idea of heading to Chicago to play great competition is to get us ready for Bethany and the rest of the conference."

Wesleyan opens the KCAC portion of the schedule on September 8 against the Bethany Swedes in Lindsborg.

"The conference will be very tough again this year, and we have a lot to prove after last year in the KCAC," Aubuchon said. "I have the highest respect for teams like Tabor and Friends that have been consistently at the top of the conference and it's my goal to reach their level this year."