Last year, Armada graduate Brittany Maxwell made a statement on DePaul’s volleyball court as a freshman.

She only sat out one set all freshman season, also leading the team in kills and was third in blocks. Coming into the season, high expectations were floating around in the air, but it’s just more of the same to Maxwell.

“It definitely puts a lot of pressure of you, but I had the same expectations in high school,” Maxwell said. “It’s nothing new for me.”

It’s easy to see Maxwell does well under the microscope, already starting her season in red-hot fashion for the Blue Demons. In the team’s 3-3 overall start, Maxwell leads the team in kills (79) and is second in blocks (15). On top of that, Maxwell also led the Blue Demons to a Bulldog Showdown title over the weekend in Fresno, Calif., earning tournament MVP honors.

While her volleyball skills are still on the upswing, Maxwell also noted her mental game has improved from her freshman season.

“I’ve definitely figured out how to keep the crowd out of my head and focus on what I need to do,” she said.

Maxwell might be getting a bit of crowd help on Sept. 16-17 as DePaul will head to East Lansing for the Spartan Classic. As one of two Blue Demons from Michigan, Maxwell is looking forward to for a bit of a homecoming weekend.

“I’m definitely excited,” Maxwell said. “My whole family is coming and everything.”

Once the Blue Demons head into the Big East Conference season in late September, they will be looking to surprise a few teams. Last year DePaul went 4-14 in the conference, and this year consistency will be key for the Blue Demons.

“Battling every single game would make this successful,” Maxwell said. “We were up and down a lot last year and we want to keep it consistent.”