Well, getting bigger, stronger and faster are all obvious answers to that question and Hunt has no problem acknowledging obvious gains in all those areas.
There is also improved depth, so much so that Hunt and first-year assistants and former UCI stars Dreason Barry and Genai Kerr are gladly dealing with a novel quandary in a program known for maximizing sometimes minimal talent reserves.
“We’ve never had these options before,” said Hunt, who returns the top five scorers from last season and also welcomes the return of several standouts who redshirted during an 11-15 season in which the Anteaters finished with the No. 8 national ranking. “I could put in a speed group and I could put in a big group. Coaching this team is a little bit different for us. In the past, we’ve had to go with a set six and those were the guys we counted on to get it done.”
That lack of depth has been exposed come tournament time, Hunt said. But, with a proven collection of versatile performers, who have embraced a tireless work ethic, the ’Eaters may have what it takes to contend with perennial powers USC, Stanford, UCLA and Cal.
“This is one of the hardest-working teams I’ve ever had,” said Hunt, whose No. 8-ranked team won all four matches at the season-opening Inland Empire Classic, Saturday and Sunday in Redlands. “They are really motivated and they want to do this. They believe in themselves and I believe in them.”
Junior driver Brandon Johnson is back after leading the team with 68 goals and earning third-team All-American recognition.
“Brandon is one of the top left-handers in the country,” Hunt said.
