2021 NSIC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll

8/9/2021 9:00:00 AM

CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL PICKED IN NSIC VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Concordia University, St. Paul has been picked by the league coaches in the NSIC Preseason Volleyball Poll. The Golden Bears are coming off a 2019 season where they finished 27-8 and advanced to the NCAA Central Region Tournament Championship game. CSP received 11 first place votes to tally 217 points.

Minnesota Duluth was picked second with 194 points while St. Cloud State was third with 192 points and three first place votes. Northern State was fourth with 174 points and a first place vote while Winona State had the final first place vote as they tied for fifth with Wayne State at 169 points.

The 2021 NSIC Volleyball season will begin with non-conference matches in early September while the NSIC schedule begins Friday, September 17. The 2021 NSIC regular season champion will be determined by the 20-game conference schedule. The top eight teams will play in the single elimination NSIC Volleyball Tournament on November 18-20. All three rounds of the tournament will take place at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

#8 Megan Flom (MB/OH, 6-2, Gr., Kenyon, Minn. / Kenyon-Wanamingo HS)

2019 ACVA DII All-American
2019 CoSIDA Academic All-District
2019 All-NSIC First Team
Set a program record with a .391 hitting percentage, which ranked eighth nationally
Ranked third in NSIC contests in hitting percentage (.443) and ninth in kills/set (3.81)
Ranked second on the team in total blocks (77), solo blocks (21) and block assists (56)
Ranked third in service aces (20)
Led the team with 358 kills in 2019
Earned CoSIDA Academic All-America® Third Team Honors

Megan has been an exceptional leader for our team throughout the pandemic. Her and her classmates have done a phenomenal job of keeping our team focused and driven in preparing for this fall season. She has put in a ton of work coming off an outstanding performance her junior year and we are so excited to see what this season has in store for her.

Head Coach Joe Getzin

SEASON PREVIEWS & PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

The Augustana volleyball team brings in six newcomers who will step onto the court for the first time for the Vikings in 2021 along with ten players from the 2019 roster that finished with a
record of 20-10 in the 2019 season. Among the returners for the Vikings are senior Avery Thorson and junior Maddy Guetter. Thorson, a Sioux Falls native, led the Vikings in assists in the 2019 season averaging 10.11 assists per set. Guetter, coming to Augustana from Wabasso, Minnesota, led the Vikings in kills in the 2019 season with a 2.91 kill per set average. Also returning for the Vikings is Augustana libero Erika Bute. Bute, hailing from Alden, Minnesota, made an immediate impact in the Vikings’ rotation in 2019 finishing her freshman season with All-NSIC Second Team Honors. She was also a two-time NSIC Defensive Player of the Week while leading the team with 583 digs.

We cannot WAIT to get back on the court. We haven't competed in front of a ref or major crowd since November 22nd, 2019 and it is TIME. The team has worked so hard to keep it together during the pandemic, they've stayed positive, they've stayed committed; and we have a lot of talent returning who are hungry for competition!

Head Coach Jen Jacobs

#2 Erika Bute (L, 5-5, Jr., Alden, Minn. / Alden-Conger HS)

All-NSIC Second-Team Honors in 2019
Two-time NSIC Defensive Player of the Week (9/30/19 & 11/11/19)
Played in a total of 108 sets
Recorded a season-best 37 digs against Westminster (9/13)
Led the team with 583 total digs
Finished second in the NSIC with 5.40 digs per set
Finished the season with 26 services aces and 80 assists

Erika is a major key factor on our team, she not only is the vocal leader in the back row, she also works the hardest - setting the bar for everyone around her. Erika is a gym rat, and has a competitive drive that is contagious to the rest of our team.

Head Coach Jen Jacobs

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

The 52nd season of Beaver Volleyball features the return of seven letter winners and three starters from the 2019 season, including senior Anna Averkamp, junior Samiya Jami and junior Maddie Mackinac. Jami, a middle blocker from Sioux Falls, S.D., was selected as BSU’s Player to Watch after appearing in 54 sets and 20 matches during the 2019 season. She totaled 78 kills for a 1.44 kill per set average, hit .146 (78K-43E-240TA) and set a career-high 12 kills at Winona State on Sept. 27, 2019. Mackinac, a setter from Rosemount, Minn., ranked 10th in the NSIC in assists per set during the 2019 season, averaging 9.42 assists over 101 sets. Head coach Kevin Ulmer begins his fifth season at the helm as the Beavers open the 2021 campaign Sept. 3-4 at the Jacket Volleyball Classic in Billings, Mont. Assistant coach Steph Remley joins the program for her first season on the BSU bench.

Our team learned a lot about themselves during COVID. The experience we had was not what we wanted and something we couldn't control. So that takes some courage to manage daily. I'm excited to see how this impacts their work ethic and commitment to each other. With two "freshman" classes this year our team will be challenged to compete for their roles every day which is a great way to prep for conference play in the best league in the country.

Head Coach Kevin Ulmer

#5 Samiya Jami (MB, 6-0, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Washington HS)

Appeared in 54 sets and 20 matches during the 2019 season
Totaled 78 kills for a 1.44 kills per set average to finish sixth on the team and hit .146 (78K-43E-240TA) for sixth on the team.
Recorded a career-high 12 kills at Winona State, Sept. 27
Recorded 22 digs and 18 blocks (3s-15a)
Totaled a career-high five blocks versus No. 14 Wheeling, Sept. 14

Samiya brings a calm composure to the court that our team relies on offensively and defensively. She is capable of playing all front court roles as a six rotation player. I’m excited to see how high her game will climb this year.”

Head Coach Kevin Ulmer

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

Returning to conference competition for the first time since claiming the 2019 NSIC Tournament crown, the Golden Bears were picked to finish first in the Northern Sun for the 16th time in the past 17 seasons. Concordia wrapped up the 2019 season with their fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Central Region Championship and 17th appearance in 18 years. The team compiled a 27-8 record overall and a 16-4 in NSIC action.
CSP returns nine letterwinners from the 2019 squad, including four regular starters. Senior libero Tori Hanson was named a player to watch as she returns for one last season in navy and gold. The Delano native was recently named CoSIDA Academic All-District after twice being named All-NSIC First Team. Hanson set the single-season program record in digs in 2019 and currently ranks fourth in CSP history with 1,710 career digs. Another key returner is sophomore outside hitter Jasmine Mulvihill. The 2019 AVCA Division II Freshman of the Year and AVCA All-America First Team pick led the nation with 569 kills while ranking 14th in the country with 4.21 kills per set during that season.
The Golden Bears return to the court on Sept. 3-4 at the Keweenaw Volleyball Classic on the campus of Michigan Tech. CSP will play a pair of matches both days before moving on to the prestigious Colorado Premier Challenge the following weekend. The team opens conference play on Sept. 17-18 at home as they play host to Minot State and UMary.

Obviously with missing last season I know that everyone in our program is excited to get back in the gym playing the game that we love. Currently we have a lot of talent and we are just looking forward to seeing what that will look like when we compete this season. We have a nice balance of some experienced players with a lot of dynamic young talent, so the competition in our gym should be at a very high level. It is always fun to see who is going to step up and fill the roles of our graduated players. I know our players are looking forward to the deep field of competition in the NSIC and our region.

Head Coach Brady Starkey

#7 Tori Hanson (L, 5-7, Sr., Delano, Minn. / Delano HS)

All-NSIC First Team in 2019
2019 NCAA Central Region; NSIC & Colorado Premier Challenge All-Tournament Team
Appeared in all 35 matches and ranked second in the NSIC and 23rd in the nation with 647 total digs
Led the NSIC and ranked 48th in the country with 47 total service aces
Reached double figures in digs in 33 matches, eclipsing 20 digs 13 times and 30 digs three times

Tori is a no-nonsense type leader both on and off the court. Her work ethic, love of competition and big moments is what makes her so valuable to our team. Besides her incredible skill level handling the ball and relentless pursuit defensively, she reads the game at a higher level than most. Tori has a sensitive side to her that allows her to connect with her teammates on a level that really makes the other players look up to her and trust that she will be there for them. She has been a rock for our team since the day she stepped in our gym and we are excited that she is back for her final season.

Head Coach Brady Starkey

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

The University of Mary volleyball team is excited to return for their first full season since 2019. Abby Pollart enters her first season as head coach of the Marauders program after spending two seasons as the head coach of Central Community College. Pollart returns to UMary after spending one season as an assistant coach for the Marauders for the 2018-19 season. After not competing in the 2020 season following the cancellation of the season due to the pandemic, UMary went 2-2 in an abbreviated 2021 spring season with the Marauders winning both of their home games. The Marauders 2021 Northern Sun Player to Watch is senior Natalia Cruz who led the team in digs, digs per set, service aces and service aces per set in 2019. Cruz ranked 14th in digs with 3.98 per game. The native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, will serve a dual role as both an outside hitter and defensive specialist for the Marauders. Also returning to UMary will be sophomores Nehkyah Ellis, Laura Petik, Bailey Harms and Kaia Sueker, and juniors Kennedy Drewis and Brittany Brusven. Ellis was second on the team in kills/set as a freshman at 1.18 and led the squad last spring with 2.88. While unable to compete last fall, the 2020 Marauders freshmen class of Kaia Lill, Laura Petik, Emily Torborg, Megan Kruschke, Kameron Selvig, Reagan Celaya, Maddie Cooper and Olivia Dickerson were able to gain valuable experience in the spring 2021 season. Cooper was second on the team with 2.33 kills per set in the spring 2021 season and Celaya was third with 2.14 kills per set.

I am excited to get to know this group of young women! They are a hard working squad with a lot of potential and depth across the board!

Head Coach Abby Pollart

#4 Natalia Cruz (OH/DS, 5-9, Sr., San Juan, Puerto Rico / Wesleyan Academy HS)

Played in all 101 sets while leading the team in digs, digs per set, service aces, and service aces per set in 2019
Totaled 402 total digs and 3.98 digs/set, while also recording 28 service aces and .26 services aces/set
Her 3.98 digs per set ranked 14th among the NSIC leaderboard

Natalia Cruz returns for her 5th season, she is a well balanced player and strong vocal leader for our program. Her ability to play multiple positions on the court based on what the team needs most is a testament to her passion and strong conviction for hard work. I look forward to seeing her lead this young squad this season!

Head Coach Abby Pollart

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

The UMN Crookston volleyball team returns to the court after the cancellation of the 2020 season. Minnesota Crookston played one official match in the spring of 2021, but will look to get back to a full schedule in 2021. Minnesota Crookston has a relatively young roster returning to the fray. Lauren Wallace (R-Sr., OH, Bloomington, Minn.) brings back the most experience. She averaged 1.32 kills per set in 2019 and hit .124. Wallace had 16 kills in UMN Crookston's spring match with UMary. Also returning with experience is setter Natalie Koke (R-Jr., S, Caledonia, Wis.). Minnesota Crookston is in their fifth season under Head Coach Sarah Morgan.

This year's team has worked extremely hard despite the lack of competition throughout the last year and half, and I am very excited to see all of their hard work be showcased on the court. The players have come together to build a great Golden Eagle Volleyball program and we look forward to sharing their work with our fans, community, and the NSIC.

Head Coach Sarah Morgan

#15 Lauren Wallace (OH, 6-1, Sr., Bloomington, Minn. / Jefferson HS)

Played in 27 matches as a redshirt sophomore for the Golden Eagles in 2019
Had 128 kills on the season for 1.32 kills per set
Held a .124 attack percentage during the 2019 slate
Added 122 digs for 1.26 digs per set
Had five solo blocks and 36 block assists as she averaged 0.42 blocks per set in 2019

Lauren is a phenomenal volleyball player, teammate, and person. She has worked extremely hard to become a foundational player for our team, and also excels as a leader for our program. Lauren also is a leader on our campus and is involved in many events on campus and in the community. Lauren exemplifies the title of student-athlete, she is successful on the court while also excelling in her studies and off the court activities.

Head Coach Sarah Morgan

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

After missing out on the 2020 season due to COVID-19, UMD looks to build off their success in 2019. Two years ago, the Bulldogs posted an overall record of 25-7, while notching an impressive 16-4 record in NSIC play. UMD’s season included a 12-match win-streak, as well as a birth in the NCAA Division 2 National Tournament. In 2021, the Bulldogs will look to senior Kate Berg, to get them over the top. During the 2019 season, Berg lead the team in kills, while finishing second on the team in digs. The Bulldogs will feature a much younger roster in 2021. UMD welcomes three new freshmen in Emma Kujawa, Sam Paulsen, and Payton Addink. With their new roster, the Bulldogs will begin the season with two road tournaments. First, UMD will travel to Houghton, MI for a four-match tournament. After that, the Bulldogs will clash in Kenosha, WI at the Wisconsin-Parkside Tournament. These early tournaments will show head coach Jim Boos what his team is made of.

The unknowns of this team will be both exciting and scary...we will be very young and inexperienced in comparison to the team we had in 2019 when we last played an NSIC match as that team had four senior starters. Our youth will be exciting to work with and see in action and we look forward to growth and improvement as our season progresses.

Head Coach Jim Boos

#3 Kate Berg (OH, 5-9, Sr., Medina, Minn. / Wayzata HS)

Attained her second straight first team All-NSIC selection, as well as her first first-team AVCA All American honors in 2019
Appeared in 113 sets and 32 matches for the Bulldogs
Recorded 4.18 kills per set and 3.03 digs per set
Finished first on the roster with 472 total kills, and second on the roster with 342 total digs
Recorded a hitting percentage of .228
Recorded 32 total blocks, 29 assists and 12 service aces
Tallied a career high 502.0 points on the season including 4.44 points per set.

Kate is returning for her senior season after COVID took away last fall's season. She will be an off the court and on the court leader who will impact our team in all aspects of the game - serving, passing, defending, blocking and attacking. She is coming off a great 2019 season but now takes on the senior and captain role where she will be leading a younger group into competition. We will rely on Kate to provide big swings in big moments.

Head Coach Jim Boos

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

The Minnesota State volleyball team returns seven letterwinners from the 2019 season, including three starters in senior Mara Quam, senior Dana Schindler and junior Jessica Nelson. Also returning for the Mavericks are senior Jane Sakowicz, junior Bailey Berge, senior Micayla Porter and junior Mariah Edgington. Quam, who was named to the All-NSIC Second Team in 2019, led the Mavericks in digs with 445 and in service aces with 23. Quam recorded at least 20 digs in nine matches including a season-best 28 against St. Cloud State. Schindler passed out a team-leading 850 assists during the 2019 season, while ranking second on the team in digs with 181. Against St. Leo, Schindler recorded a career-best 57 assists. Nelson ranked second on the team in kills and in service aces during the 2019 season with 228 and 17, respectively. Nelson tallied at least 10 kills in 10 matches in 2019, including a season0high 13 kills against both St. Leo and Southwest Minnesota State. Sakowicz added 112 digs as well, while Berge tallied 76. Porter finished second on the team in assists with 102, while Edgington tallied 56 digs in 38 sets. Minnesota State finished its 2019 season with an 18-10 overall record, including an 11-9 NSIC record. MSU defeated four nationally ranked opponents in 2019, including a 3-2 win against #8 St. Cloud State that saw the Mavericks win the final two sets to secure the victory.

We have quality depth at every position this season. Every aspect of our game has changed for the better in the last 15 months. We are more disciplined, more technically sound and our team culture is growing in positive ways every time we step on the court. We are excited to see what we can do in this great conference and region.

Head Coach Corey Phelps

#11 Mara Quam (L, 5-7, Sr., Kenyon, Minn. / Kenyon-Wanamingo HS)

Has played in every match for the Mavericks from 2017-19 and has appeared in 300 sets
For her career, is averaging 4.72 digs per set
Ranks third all-time at Minnesota State in career digs with 1,417
Was named to the All-NSIC Second Team for her efforts during the 2018 and 2019 seasons
Led the NSIC in digs during her sophomore season with 551

Mara is a leader on and off the court for our program. She has continued to work tirelessly to develop her skills as the top defensive player on our team. Her ability to make those around her better and lead with energy, communication and effort will be easily noticeable this season. We are excited about where this season takes us!

Head Coach Corey Phelps

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

MSUM returns plenty of experience from the 2019 squad for Head Coach Bob Jones. Junior Amanda Carlson led the Dragons in kills in 2019 and was second with 182 digs. She also had 22 service aces. Senior Sarah Petrbok led the team with 293 digs that year. Sophomores Bridget Witzmann (158 kills in 2019) and Teeya Doppler (125 kills) also return with experience. Junior Elise Bakke is back in the middle; she had 97 kills and 47 blocks during 2019. Sophomore Brooke Walthall had 169 digs as a freshman, third-most on the team.

We have a strong core group of players coming back and we also have a talented group of incoming freshman joining us this fall, so we are very excited for what the future holds for Dragon volleyball!

Head Coach Bob Jones

#14 Amanda Carlson (OH, 5-11, Jr., Phoenix, Ariz. / Sunnyslope HS)

Appeared in 27 matches in 2019
Second year leading the team with 191 kills and 2.08 kills per set
Second on the team in digs per set with 2.77
Had a season-high 15 kills in a loss to Augustana (11/16/19)
Had a season-high 12 digs in a win over UMary (10/15/19)
Had double-digit kills in eight matches, with four double-doubles in 2019

Amanda has really worked hard to improve in all phases of her game and I really think she is going to take a big step forward on the court this season!

Head Coach Bob Jones

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

Minot State is entering its 5th season under the direction of Head Coach Dana Cordova-Jacobson. 2020 fall season was cancelled due to COVID pandemic. The Beavers return one starter from the 2019 season, Senior Rightside Kayla Verity. Along with Verity, Caitlyn Messner, Giovanna Hamilton and Sophia Peterson round out the upperclassman. Several Beavers could see their first significant playing time over the next few months or make their collegiate debuts with competitive preseason action in Washburn, KS or Nebraska-Kearney.

We are going to be very young and little experience in the NSIC, however we have depth and at every position there is competition. We will only get better each game this year.

Head Coach Dana Cordova-Jacobson

#10 Kayla Verity (RS, 5-11, Sr., Carnduff, Saskatchewan /Carnduff Education Complex)

Appeared in 74 total sets, and 26 total matches in 2019
Posted a season-high 78 kills to bring her career-kill total to 89
Marked 311 total attacks and one assist
Had a season-high eight kills at Chico State

Kayla will be stepping into the role of team leader. She bring experience to a very young team. With being one of the only players with starting experience we will rely on Kayla for that support.

Head Coach Dana Cordova-Jacobson

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Northern State University volleyball team opens the 2021 campaign at the Washburn Invitational on September 3 and 4. The Wolves will then return to Aberdeen to host the NSU Invite September 9-11, before kicking off their NSIC slate against Winona State on September 17. The Wolves went 25-6 overall and 17-3 in the NSIC in 2019, winning the first out-right NSIC title in program history. NSU appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season and went 1-1 versus No. 7 St. Cloud State and No. 2 Nebraska Kearney. In addition, the Wolves remained as a mainstay in the AVCA Top-25 Poll holding a spot in the top-10 through the entire season. NSU returns ten from the 2019 roster and adds ten from 2020 and 2021. Sally Gaul was picked as the team’s player to watch for the 2021 season after an All-Conference performance in her sophomore campaign. Peyton Ellingson earned All-Conference accolades as well in 2019 and returns to the starting rotation for the Wolves this season. Northern enters their 11th season under the direction of 3-time NSIC Coach of the Year Brent Aldridge.

This 2021 team shows a lot of potential. We are looking to process a lot of information in a short amount of time before the start of the season. New and returning players will be making contributions in practice and in matches. There is a steep learning curve in the NSIC. We will have to adapt to the daily demands it takes to compete in the nations #1 NCAA Division II Volleyball conference night in and night out.

Head Coach Brent Aldridge

#19 Sally Gaul (RS/OH, 6-0, Jr., Des Moines, Iowa / Dowling Catholic HS)

Named to the NSIC All-Conference second team in 2019
Started 29 matches for the Wolves in 2019
Recorded 317 kills, averaging 3.02 per set, with a .242 attack percentage
Added 74 digs, 46.0 blocks, six aces, and two assists
Tallied career highs in kills (22 versus Augustana), attack percentage (.542 versus Drury), and blocks (4.0 versus USF)

Sally is a two-year starter that came out of high school with an approach touch of 9'9 and she has put the work in the weight room and now touches 10'4 1/2. She works hard in the classroom and continues to help lead our team to the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award yearly. Sally more importantly is just a quality human being. Salt of the earth type of person who genuinely cares about Northern State Volleyball.

Head Coach Brent Aldridge

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

After missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USF will return 12 letter winners and five players who made starts on a team that finished 17-11 in 2019 with the program’s first-ever national ranking through the AVCA. USF, which has been picked 11th in the 2021 NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll, finished 9-11 (11th) in the conference two years ago. USF, which will be led by Head Coach Dan Mathews (first season) ranked ninth in the NSIC in hitting percentage at .230 and eighth in kills with 13.40 per game in 2019. USF was also ninth in blocks at 1.74 while ranking first in service aces with 1.82 per set (94 sets). USF will be led by Player to Watch and senior setter Krista Goerger, who was named this summer a CoSIDA Academic All-American – a program first. A three-time Academic All-NSIC honoree, she is the career leader at USF in set assists with 2,397. USF also returns senior middle blocker Kenzie Byers, who ranked 15th in the NSIC in blocks per game at 0.83 and had 212 kills or 2.26 per set. Also back will be 2018 NSIC All-League senior outside hitter Averey Yaksich, who has 519 career kills (10th all-time at USF) and 618.5 points. Sophomore opposite Brooklynne Albrecht had 101 kills (1.11 per set) and 210 digs in 28 matches in 2019 while outside hitter Hayley Fox had 72 kills in 24 matches, defensive specialist TiaRose Nagami had 141 digs in 28 matches while sophomore outside hitter Nicole Jacobson had 144 kills and 124 digs.

I'm most excited about the way our upperclassmen leadership group will mentor our younger players. With a strong group of seniors graduating after Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, this is their final opportunity to leave a legacy in our program. Stepping into their shoes is a capable group of Freshmen and Sophomores who are eager to continue building on the tradition established by their predecessors. I expect that bringing these dynamics together will be an incredibly rewarding process.

Head Coach Dan Mathews

#5 Krista Goerger (S, 5-11, Sr., Mankato, Minn. / Mankato West HS)

Named CoSIDA Academic All-American in summer of 2021
Played 94 sets across 28 matches in 2019
Had 975 assists and averaged 10.37 per set
Had 76 kills (.81 per set) on 253 attacks for a .221 kill percentage and scored 121.5 points
Tallied a career high seven kills against Texas Women's on Sept. 14
Totaled 208 digs averaging 2.21 per set
Elite 18 Award Recipient from NSIC and NSIC Honor Student-Athlete
Has established USF school record for career set assists with 2,397 in 78 matches
Owns USF’s top two season marks for set assists average with 10.37 in 2018 and 10.36 in 2018

Krista has been a three-year starter for USF volleyball while maintaining a 4.0 GPA as a Chemistry/Biology double-major and achieving 1st Team Academic All-American accolades. In terms of work ethic and leadership ability, there are few others on her level. What distinguishes Krista from other setters is her ability to play an all-around volleyball game. She can serve, attack and play defense as well as many notable right sides on our league.

Head Coach Dan Mathews

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Southwest Minnesota State University volleyball program will use a strong core of veterans and several newcomers in looking to make a return trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2021. SMSU returns five letter winners from its 2019 team that finished with a solid 18-10 record, but missed qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003. Senior outside hitter Angela Young, who earned All-NSIC first team honors in 2019, after leading the team with 420 kills, will help lead the Mustangs in 2021. Junior right-side hitter Meg Schmidt was second on the team with 329 kills and received All-NSIC second team accolades in 2019. Junior setter Alisa Bengen also returns after ranking second on the squad two seasons ago with 538 assists. Senior Peyton Hjerleid will help anchor the defense after recording a team-high 426 digs in 2019, while junior outside hitter Rachel Fink amassed 256 digs and recorded 116 kills.

Our team has players who are excited about our team. We are depending on returning players along with an incoming freshmen class that will contribute to our team.

Head Coach Terry Culhane

#9 Meg Schmidt (RS, 6-1, Jr., Jordan, Minn. / Jordan HS)

Named second team All-NSIC in 2019
Appeared in 103 sets and 28 matches with 13 starts
Finished second on the team in kills with 328
Had a team second-best .238 hitting percentage
Averaged 3.18 kills per set and recorded a season-high 21 kills at Northern State (11/8/19)

Meg takes volleyball seriously and literally loves the sport. She has improved each year and has been a strong player who we count on. Meg has the ability to swing anywhere on the net and will do whatever it takes to help our team be successful.

Head Coach Terry Culhane

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

The St. Cloud State University volleyball team took the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) by storm in 2019, as the Huskies qualified for both the NSIC and NCAA Tournaments for the first time since the early 2000s. St. Cloud State looks to recapture that 2019 magic in 2021 and have the personnel to do so. Redshirt senior setter Maddy Torve (Loretto, Minn. / Heritage Christian Academy), senior outside Linsey Rachel (Maple Lake, Minn. / Maple Lake) and junior middle Phebie Rossi (Rapid City, South Dakota / Stevens) are the top returning starters from the historic 2019 season, along with Rachel Houle (Stillwater, Minn. / Stillwater), Allison Naughton (Des Moines, Iowa / Dowling Catholic), Bella Erne (Blaine, Minn. / Blaine) and Abigail Groeneweg (Forest Lake, Minn. / Forest Lake). With reigning NSIC Coach of the Year Chad Braegelmann at the helm and a slew of faces added to the roster, the Huskies should once again be a force in one of the top volleyball conferences in Division II.

Even though we’ve lost quite a few starters from the 2019 season, we bring back some of our top attackers and our middles have shown some great improvement. This team has high expectations and has put in a lot of time and work, and we’re hoping they see the fruits of their labor.

Head Coach Chad Braegelmann

#14 Maddy Torve (S, 5-11, Sr., Loretta , Minn. / Heritage Christian School)

2019 Second Team All-NSIC honoree; 3x Academic All-Conference team member
Ranked top-5 in the NSIC and Division II in assists and assists/set average as a junior in 2019
Racked up 1375 assists (11.75/set average) in 2019, becoming the first setter with 1000+ single-season assists since 2008
No. 4 all-time in both single-season (1375) and career assists
Piloted the Huskies to their best winning percentage and team hitting percentage since the early 2000s

We are very happy that Maddy chose to come back for her fifth season. Her experience, her setting precision, and her decision making will again be key to our success this season. She finish in the top five in the country in a assists/set in 2019, and our attackers should be experienced again in 2021.

Head Coach Chad Braegelmann

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

Upper Iowa’s volleyball team is prepped for another run in the high-power Northern Sun Conference this fall. The Peacocks have earned a spot in three straight NSIC Championships and have posted an overall record of 60-29 and a conference mark of 35-25 in that time. Aaron Nelson returns for his eleventh season and has a roster full of new faces, but returners Kaitlin Niedert, Maggie Streightiff, Sarah Johnson and Charisma Herr bring a wealth of experience to a team that will feature 12 players that have not worn Peacock blue and white in a regular season match. Niedert, who was named a 2021 NSIC Player to Watch, has played in 57 matches in 2018 and 2019 amassing 558 kills, 138 digs and 93 blocks, while Streightiff racked up 260 kills in 2019 and added 61 digs and 38 blocks. Johnson started in the middle as a freshman in 2019 and recorded 180 kills, 109 blocks and 68 digs, while Herr put her hands on 270 digs and served 23 aces in 2019 as a sophomore. Prior to the pandemic, the Peacocks were ranked in the AVCA Division II Top-25 for 12 straight polls including two weeks at No. 18, the highest ranking in program history. Both of Upper Iowa's overall and NSIC win totals in 2019 tied the program records for wins in a season and wins in the conference, and were highlighted by four wins over opponents ranked higher than them including two victories over top-5 teams. Upper Iowa will open the 2021 campaign at the Miner Invitational hosted by Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Mo. The Peacocks will take on the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Missouri S&T on Sept. 3 and Purdue University-Northwest and Missouri Western State University on Sept. 4.

This year's team is exciting for many reasons. First off, we feel extremely fortunate that we are going to be able to get out there and compete again. We are excited to see the growth of our returners and we hope to continue to build upon the success we have had through their leadership and experience. We are excited about the new faces we will have and the opportunity to see their unique abilities and contributions as we develop as a team this year. Most of all we are excited to put this group of thoughtful, strong minded individuals in the gym to see what we can accomplish against the best of the best in the NSIC.

Head Coach Aaron Nelson

#1 Kaitlin Niedert (OH, 5-10, Gr., Independence, Iowa / Independence HS)

Finished second on the team with 295 kills (2.81/set) in 2019
Posted a .209 hitting percentage and ranked third on the team with 57 total blocks
Added 60 digs and recorded 17 games with double-digit kills including a season-high 17 against St. Cloud State
Named to NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence.

Kaitlin is an exceptional individual on and off the volleyball court. She is great teammate and a shining example of hard work, determination and compassion. Her desire to listen, understand and consistently be a positive influence for those around has made her into a dynamic leader for our program. Kaitlin is one of the bricks on which our team foundations have been built.

Head Coach Aaron Nelson

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

The Wayne State College volleyball team is excited for the 2021 season after having 2020 canceled due to COVID-19. WSC posted a 24-7 record and was ranked 13th in the final 2019 AVCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll, but missed out on an NCAA postseason tournament berth. The Wildcats are motivated to get back to the NCAA Tournament, but will have a young squad with the graduation of five seniors. Wayne State’s Preseason Player to Watch is sophomore outside hitter Kelsie Cada, who had five double-doubles while averaging 2.59 kills and 3.06 digs per set as a freshman in 2019. The other returning starter for the Wildcats is junior setter Rachel Walker, who averaged 10.25 assists per set in 2019 to rank seventh in the NSIC. Redshirts Maggie Brahmer and Taya Beller are expected to step into starting roles this season while a talented group of returners along with five freshmen and one transfer will provide plenty of competition for playing time this season for the Wildcats. Wayne State opens the 2021 season on Friday, September 3rd at the Dallas Baptist Tournament with the first of 11 home matches for the Wildcats is Tuesday, September 21 hosting Sioux Falls.

Although we are an extremely young team- we are very excited about this year's group. We have alot of young talent in the gym and can't wait to get pre-season started. We know there will be some growing pains with our lack of experience, but we could be a tough team at the end of the year. More than anything, we are excited to get a chance to compete again!

Head Coach Scott Kneifl

#11 Kelsie Cada (OH, 6-1, So., Wahoo, Neb. / Wahoo Neumann HS)

Played in 29 matches and 97 sets, averaging 3.06 digs and 2.59 kills per set
Ranked third on the team in kills and digs, while recording five double-doubles
Had 13 matches with 10 or more kills and 15 matches with 10 or more digs
One of two returning starters for WSC

Kelsie is an extremely hard worker. Her back row and front row game have both improved significantly in the last year. I am excited to see her growth as a player, once she gets more NSIC matches under her belt.

Head Coach Scott Kneifl

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Led by Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Player of the Year Megan Flom, the Winona State volleyball team is well positioned to turn heads in the 2021 NSIC campaign. For Flom and her teammates, the WSU 2021 season is the opportunity to showcase work accomplished in an extended off-season and will build on their impressive 2019 season in which WSU and head coach Joe Getzin went 21-8 overall and 13-7 in NSIC play. Flom, a 5th-year senior from Kenyon-Wanamingo, Minn., earned 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-American honors earlier this summer, adding to an-already impressive resume. In 2019, Flom set a program record with a .391 hitting percentage, eight-best in the nation, and led the Warriors with 358 kills. Joining Flom are several key veterans, including setter Bre Maloney, tasked with running the Warrior offense. Maloney - a 2019 All-NSIC Second Team pick - was fifth in the NSIC that year in assists per match, racking up 10.74 helpers per outing. Becca Pagel also returns, an experienced libero who as a NSIC Top-10 performer in digs per set, averaging 4.39. Additionally, Madison Rizner joined Flom in the 2019 NSIC Top-20 list hitting %, with a .299 mark, the 16th-best in the NSIC that season. The Warriors garnered 169 points overall - including one first-place vote - finishing tied with Wayne State College for fifth place in the NSIC Preseason poll. Winona State last played in a competitive match in the 2019 NSIC Tournament, falling to Concordia – St. Paul 3-2 [20-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-18, 16-14] in an epic five-set match.

We couldn’t be more fired up to get back to a regular season this fall. This is something we’ve been anxiously anticipating since last summer. The opportunity to bring back our high-performing returners as well as welcome in a very talented freshman class will make for a highly competitive and exciting season.

Head Coach Joe Getzin

#8 Megan Flom (MB/OH, 6-2, Gr., Kenyon, Minn. / Kenyon-Wanamingo HS)

2019 ACVA DII All-American
2019 CoSIDA Academic All-District
2019 All-NSIC First Team
Set a program record with a .391 hitting percentage, ranked eighth nationally
Ranked third in NSIC contests in hitting percentage (.443) and ninth in kills/set (3.81)
Ranked second on the team in total blocks (77), solo blocks (21) and block assists (56)
Ranked third in service aces (20)
Led the team with 358 kills in 2019
Earned CoSIDA Academic All-America® Third Team Honors

Megan has been an exceptional leader for our team throughout the pandemic. Her and her classmates have done a phenomenal job of keeping our team focused and driven in preparing for this fall season. She has put in a ton of work coming off an outstanding performance her junior year and we are so excited to see what this season has in store for her.

Head Coach Joe Getzin

NSICVB