Helen Jahr has been around the Riverland Community College volleyball program for 19 years, but this fall she’ll be doing a lot more recruiting than coaching.

The Blue Devils, who went 4-21 overall last season, will not have a volleyball team this season. However Jahr, who is also the RCC athletic director, said the school fully intends to bring the sport back next season.

“We wanted to take a year to regroup,” Jahr said. “ I’m extremely confident that volleyball is still very much on the minds of the campus and the community. I’m sure we’ll be back with a team next year.”

RCC is revamping its efforts to bring more athletes in for all sports in the school. Jahr said the growth of online students and high school students who complete their two-year degree through PSEO programs has made it more difficult for community colleges to find athletes.

She’s hoping that will change in the years to come.

“We’re going to make athletics a new priority and we’re making it a college-wide effort to get student athletes to come here,” Jahr said. “Student athletes are extremely motivated students and some of them are graduating from college and high school at the same time. That’s great for them and their families to get free education, but then they can’t compete for us. With the changing demographics, we’re working on a way to get athletes to come to campus.”