When Megan Bower came to Ann Arbor, the Michigan volleyball program seemed to be at a standstill. The team had finished the 2005 season with a sub -.500 conference record and missed the NCAA Tournament.

But four years later, Bower and her three senior counterparts — Veronica Rood, Juliana Paz, and Cassie Petoskey — have helped place the program on the national stage.

Michigan coach Mark Rosen said they could be the best senior class in Michigan history.

“They’ve gone the farthest in the (NCAA) Tournament, they’ve won the most, they’ll be the first time to go to the tournament four times,” he said. “So in that respect, we don’t have to evaluate them subjectively, they’ve just proven that.”

That’s a testament to the class’s leadership, beginning with team captain Bower. After this upcoming weekend’s match against Ohio State, she will be the Wolverines’ all-time leader in career matches played. Her passion on the court and ability to mentor the team’s underclassmen have influenced the entire program.

“She leads from her heart,” Rosen said. “She leads with everything, every ounce of her personality. Sometimes she has to temper that and it gets a little over the top, but that’s her.

"I’ve always told our past captains that you have to lead within your own personality, and Bower embodies that.”

The rest of the seniors, regardless of playing time, have shown that same spirit over the past few years.

From role player last year to current starting middle blocker, Rood has maintained a positive attitude that has helped create great team chemistry within the locker room.

And Paz, a junior college transfer from Iowa Western Community College, has brought new enthusiasm to the Wolverines — one that fans have grown accustomed to over the past two years. Whether she’s jumping up and down after snagging a service ace or dancing around in the huddle during pregame introductions, Paz is never at a loss for energy.

“I remember the first week of practice we were like, ‘Wow, she’s really, really good,’ ” Rosen said. “I think what we were most impressed with was not just her offense. ... But the rest of her game — her serving, her passing, her defense — just the full game she brings. We got everything and more out of her.”

Petoskey, who grew up in Ann Arbor, hasn't played much during her Michigan career. But she has maintained the same commitment and dedication ever since she first arrived on campus.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that consistent behavior builds trust," Petoskey said. “If you come in everyday, you work hard. If you build trust with yourself, your coaches, your teammates — you’re going to find success.”

And success is exactly what the 2010 senior class has experienced over the last four seasons. The Wolverines are a shoo-in to make the NCAA Tournament this year. It will be the first time a class has made it to the tournament in all four years.

And the senior class hopes it can help the team to another first — a Final Four visit to Tampa in December.