KENNESAW - Holly Knight had no quarrels with the volleyball at Butler University.

She just wanted to be closer to home.

After leaving the Indianapolis college she signed with out of high school, Knight, a 6-foot middle hitter who guided Harrison to the Class AAAAA state championship in 2006, felt a certain emptiness attending volleyball games as a Kennesaw State student instead of playing in them.

She then joined the Owls' fourth-year volleyball program last spring, but it came as a pleasant surprise when Kennesaw State hired one of Knight's former assistant coaches at Butler, Karen Weatherington, to take reins from former KSU coach Valerie Jones.

"It was definitely a surprise," Knight said. I didn't know how she would feel toward me after leaving Butler, but she gave me a big hug and told me she was happy to see me playing again."

After spending a year away from the volleyball court, Knight had to take some time to get herself back in playing shape.

"I didn't play a lot of volleyball (last fall), but I did a lot of cross-training and triathlon," she said. "I also ran a good bit and played co-ed softball to stay in shape. When I first came back, it felt great. Once I got into more of the skills, I was rusty, but I got back into it quick. It didn't take long."

The Owls, who have struggled to find their way with just 11 total wins in their three years of existence, should benefit from Knight, who came away with 565 kill, 85 blocks and 112 digs her senior year at Harrison.

As a freshman at Butler in 2007, Knight appeared in 19 games, totaling 26 kills and 11 blocks for the Bulldogs. She had a season-high eight kills against Youngstown State.

With Wetherington now at the helm of the Kennesaw State program, it should serve as a boost to Knight.

"Just to see that we have that (Butler) connection, and seeing someone I know, was a huge confidence-booster for me," Weatherington said of Knight. "She's a fierce competitor. That was a highlight of her ability, and that's why we recruited her at Butler. She's a person with competitive fire."

The addition of Knight, not to mention seven returning starters, should help Kennesaw State take a step forward in 2009.

Senior libero Selina O'Leary set a team record with 307 digs last season, while senior setter Ginny Frederick has more than 1,000 career assists. Junior Sabrita Gulley was the team leader in kills with 284, and senior middle hitter Chelsey Denesha was second on the team last year in kills per game. Senior outside hitter Asjia Stokes, sophomore setter Rachael Albright and defensive specialist junior Eman Burns round out the Owls' starters.

Sophomore setter Grace Hoyt, a transfer from Mississippi State, is also a newcomer to the team. She had 194 assists and 39 kills a year ago as a backup for the Bulldogs.

After completing their four-year transitional period into NCAA Division I, the Owls are now eligible to qualify for the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament. They open the season Friday at a tournament in Toledo, Ohio, before hosting the Great 8 Volleyball Challenge from Sept. 4-5.

"We have great leadership with four seniors and I expect us to be a fierce defensive team," Weatherington said. "I have high expectations. I expect us to be competitive in the conference, defend our home court and qualify for the A-Sun tournament."