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BURNSVILLE, Minn. —  The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees.  The induction ceremony will be held Tuesday, July 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead, Minnesota as part of the annual NSIC Summer Kickoff event.  A social will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the ceremony at 6:00 p.m.  Reserve your tickets for the banquet by visiting https://northernsun.org/HOFBanquet and filling out the online Hall of Fame Banquet Registration Form.  Registrations are due no later than July 1, as space is limited for this event.

The class of 2025 includes: Katie Jesperson, Augustana University, Emily (Palkert) Davis, Concordia University, St. Paul; Melissa (Agnew) Blanchard & Jennifer (Agnew) Keller, University of Mary; Jennifer Bagley Trotter, Minnesota State University Moorhead; Jacob Fahl, Southwest Minnesota State University; Katie (Goetzinger) Voth, Wayne State College; and Stacey (Struzynski) Zimmerman, Winona State University.

Founded in 1986, the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC - the former men’s conference) Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor those who made significant contributions to the conference, to create favorable publicity and public relations for the league and to help preserve the history of the NIC, its member institutions, student-athletes, and other significant individuals affiliated with the league.  For the first two inductions (1986 and 1990) each selection hailed from the NIC.  In 1992, the Northern Sun Conference (NSC - the former women’s conference) and the NIC merged, creating the current Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).  After annual inductions since 2000, the NSIC Hall of Fame will now boast over 225 members and three teams.

Each NSIC institution (who has been a league member for at least ten years) is asked to submit one candidate for consideration for induction into the Hall of Fame. Each of the candidates are derived from individuals who have been affiliated with the NSIC, NIC, NSC and their member institutions.

In order to be eligible for the NSIC Hall of Fame, candidates must have made their contributions in one of the following areas: 1) former student-athletes, 2) administrator/coach, 3) official/supervisor/coordinator, 4) contributor/supporter, or 5) team. The conference provides two plaques; one of which will go to the inductee and one to the institution represented.  A history of each inductee will be kept in the NSIC Office and each institution will prominently display the plaques of their respective NSIC Hall of Fame inductees.

In order to be eligible for the NSIC Hall of Fame, candidates must have made their contributions in one of the following areas: 1) former student-athletes, 2) administrator/coach, 3) official/supervisor/coordinator, 4) contributor/supporter, or 5) team. The conference provides two plaques; one of which will go to the inductee and one to the institution represented.  A history of each inductee will be kept in the NSIC Office and each institution will prominently display the plaques of their respective NSIC Hall of Fame inductees.

2025 NSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Katie Jesperson, Augustana University (2011-2014)

Katie Jesperson was a standout performer for the Augustana Women’s Tennis Team from 2011 to 2014, helping elevate the program to new heights during her tenure. A dominant force on the court, Jesperson collected numerous individual accolades while guiding the Vikings through one of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s (NSIC) most successful NCAA Championship runs.

A two-time NSIC Player of the Year, Jesperson was a four-time All-NSIC First Team selection in both singles and doubles. She captured four consecutive NSIC Championships and was named the ITA Central Region Senior Player of the Year in 2014. With a remarkable career singles record of 85-8, Jesperson led the Vikings to a combined 85-12 team record during her time, playing a pivotal role in the program’s rise.

Jesperson dominated conference play, going 36-1 in NSIC singles matches—her only loss coming as a sophomore to NSIC Player of the Year Erin Kappers of Winona State. Her senior year was especially noteworthy, finishing with a 22-1 singles record, including two wins over Division I opponents, and an undefeated 25-0 mark in doubles. She capped her career by winning all five NSIC and NCAA postseason doubles matches, helping Augustana reach the NCAA Central Region 2 Championship title match.

Jesperson’s excellence extended beyond the court. She was a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree and earned Academic All-NSIC recognition, reflecting her dedication in the classroom as well.

Following her remarkable collegiate career, Jesperson transitioned into the healthcare technology field. She currently works as an Software Engineer for Sanford Health and resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Emily (Palkert) Davis, Concordia University, St. Paul (2007-2010) 

Emily (Palkert) Davis left an indelible mark on NCAA Division II volleyball during her time at Concordia University, St. Paul. Making an immediate impact, Davis was named both NSIC and AVCA Freshman of the Year, setting the tone for a remarkable career that would include four consecutive NCAA National Championships.

As Concordia’s first four-time NCAA Champion and the program’s all-time leader in kills, Davis helped lead the Golden Bears through one of the most dominant runs in collegiate volleyball history. Her tenure included an NCAA-record 75-match winning streak and victories in the final 62 NSIC matches of her career. Davis finished with an astounding 142-9 overall record, a near-perfect 77-1 mark in NSIC play, and an unblemished 24-0 record in NCAA Tournament competition. 

Known for her consistency and clutch performances, Davis ranked among the NSIC’s top five in kills per set and top six in hitting percentage every season. She was a cornerstone of Concordia’s championship culture, known for her poise under pressure and her ability to elevate the play of those around her.

After completing her senior season, Davis took her talents overseas, playing professionally for Orivenden Ponnistus in Orivesi, Finland, while finishing her degree in child learning and development at CSP. She transitioned into coaching soon after, beginning at Southwest Christian before joining Augsburg College as a graduate assistant. While at Augsburg, she earned her MBA and gained valuable collegiate coaching experience over a four-year span.

Since 2016, Davis has served as the Head Volleyball Coach at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, where she continues to influence the game through leadership, mentorship, and her deep knowledge of the sport. She and her husband, Derris, are proud parents to two daughters, Juliette and Jaelle.

Jennifer (Agnew) Keller, University of Mary (2009-2013)

Jennifer (Agnew) Keller delivered a storybook ending to an exceptional collegiate running career by winning the 2013 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship for the University of Mary. A five-time All-American, Keller’s dominant performance in her final race capped one of the most decorated careers in school and conference history.

A native of Onamia, Minnesota, Keller set the tone early in the national championship race, surging to a commanding lead and crossing the finish line over 11 seconds ahead of the nearest competitor. She won six of the seven races she entered during the 2013 cross country season, including titles at both the NSIC and NCAA Central Region Championships. Her spectacular season earned her the 2013 USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Year and recognition as the 2014 Division II Honda Cross Country nominee for the Collegiate Women Sports Awards. She was also selected as one of 11 national finalists for the prestigious DII Woman Athlete of the Year honor.

In addition to her cross country crown, Keller earned All-American status in four other events as she was 26th at the 2011 NCAA Cross Country Championships, seventh in the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Steeplechase, fifth in the 2013 NCAA Indoor 5,000 meters, and third in the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Steeplechase. She also claimed four NSIC individual titles, including the 2013 indoor 3,000 and 5,000 meters and the outdoor steeplechase and earned 11 All-NSIC citations. 

Keller’s achievements extended well beyond the track. She was a five-time Academic All-American, a 10-time NSIC All-Academic Team member, a recipient of the prestigious NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award and the NCAA post-graduate scholarship.

Today, Keller serves as the Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness Programs at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, North Dakota, where she works as a physical therapist. She and her husband Josh are proud parents of three children.  

Melissa (Agnew) Blanchard, University of Mary (2009-2013)

Few athletes in NCAA Division II history have put together a more dominant two-year stretch than Melissa (Agnew) Blanchard did for the University of Mary from 2012 to 2013. A standout in both cross country and track & field, Blanchard’s extraordinary career was defined by a rare combination of consistency, versatility, and championship-level performance.

Over the course of her time as a Marauder, Blanchard earned 12 NCAA All-America honors and captured three national titles. Her senior year in 2013 stands out as one of the most decorated in school and NSIC history. She helped deliver the University of Mary’s first-ever NCAA Division II national title as part of the Distance Medley Relay (DMR), then went on to win individual national championships in the indoor mile and the outdoor 1500-meter run.

Blanchard became the first woman in NSIC history to win three consecutive 1,000-meter titles indoors and claimed a total of nine NSIC championships during her career—eight in track & field and one in cross country (2012). A 13-time All-NSIC honoree, she was a dominant force in the conference and was named NSIC and USTFCCCA Central Region Track & Field Athlete of the Year three times.

Her impact extended well beyond the competition. Blanchard was a nine-time NSIC All-Academic Team selection, an eight-time USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree, and recipient of the prestigious NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award. In recognition of her historic achievements, she was named the 2013 NDAPSSA Female Athlete of the Year.

Blanchard’s legacy was cemented in 2020 when she was inducted into the USTFCCCA NCAA Division II Track & Field Athlete Hall of Fame—one of the highest honors in collegiate track & field.

Blanchard owns Imperial Family Chiropractic in Farmington, Minnesota, where she works as a chiropractor. She and her husband Cory are proud parents of Danielle and Julie.  

Jennifer Bagley Trotter, Minnesota State University Moorhead (1993-1996) 

Jennifer Bagley Trotter is widely regarded as the most dominant pitcher in Minnesota State University Moorhead softball history. A four-year starter from 1993 to 1996, she anchored the Dragons’ pitching staff and graduated as the program’s all-time leader in strikeouts with 590—a record that underscores her sustained excellence and competitive fire in the circle.

Bagley Trotter, a native of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, was instrumental in leading MSUM to back-to-back NAIA National Tournament appearances in 1995 and 1996, marking one of the most successful stretches in program history. Her on-field performance earned her All-NSIC honors in both years. In 1995 she led the NSIC with 55 strikeouts and led or was tied for lead in complete games in NSIC play. She still ranks within MSUM’s top five in career complete games (82), ERA (1.59), wins (51), shutouts (17) and games started (85). A true all-around athlete, she also lettered in golf during her collegiate career.

After her playing days, Bagley Trotter quickly transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant at Humboldt State University in California before being named the head coach at Missouri Western State University in 2002. Her coaching career continued its upward trajectory, and she now leads the softball program at the University of St. Thomas, where she continues to impact the game through her leadership, mentorship, and passion for player development.

Bagley Trotter’s legacy in softball—as both a record-breaking athlete and accomplished coach—remains a powerful testament to her talent, dedication, and lifelong commitment to the sport.

She and her husband, Regi, have three children; Quentin, Camille and Zoe.

Jacob Fahl, Southwest Minnesota State University (1999-2003)

Jacob Fahl etched his name into the Southwest Minnesota State University record books as one of the greatest men’s basketball players in program history. A four-year letterwinner from Benson, Minnesota, Fahl was the centerpiece of a golden era for Mustang basketball and graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer.

Appearing in 120 career games, Fahl tallied a school-record 1,638 points—surpassing the previous mark on February 28, 2003. His record stood unchallenged for 17 years. He led SMSU in scoring during both his junior and senior seasons, earning First Team All-NSIC and Second Team Daktronics All-Region honors in 2002 and 2003.

A consistent and efficient scorer, Fahl finished his career holding school records for 3-point field goals made (173), free throws made (377), free throw percentage (84.5%), and games played (120). He also ranked fourth in field goals made (544) and fifth in assists (260). His 90.4% free throw percentage during the 2002–03 season remains one of the best single-season marks in SMSU history, ranking third all-time.

Fahl played a vital role on SMSU’s first-ever NSIC championship team in 2000–01, a season that also saw the Mustangs win the NCAA region championship and advance to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time in program history. During his tenure, SMSU compiled a stellar 84-36 overall record and posted top-four finishes in the conference each season—including first, second, third, and fourth place standings.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions on and off the court, Fahl was named the SMSU Male Student-Athlete of the Year for 2002–03. He graduated that spring with a degree in business management.  He and his wife Angela have four children, Avery, Julia, Jude and Jonah. 

Katie (Goetzinger) Voth, Wayne State College (2008-2011)

Katie (Goetzinger) Voth stands as the most accomplished pitcher in Wayne State College softball history. A native of Harlan, Iowa, Voth was a dominant force in the circle from 2008 to 2011, rewriting the program’s record book and leading the Wildcats to unprecedented success during her four-year career.

Voth holds WSC school career records for wins (116), strikeouts (1,163), shutouts (40), complete games (96), and saves (11). Her leadership and elite performance helped guide the Wildcats to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2009 to 2011, including the program’s first and only NCAA Super Regional appearance in 2010 and the NSIC Tournament title that same season.

A four-time First Team All-NSIC selection, Voth earned NSIC Pitcher of the Year honors twice and was a three-time First Team All-Central Region honoree. Her national impact was recognized with back-to-back Louisville Slugger/NFCA Third Team All-American honors as a junior and senior. She also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-American recognition in both 2010 (Second Team) and 2011 (First Team).
Voth was part of six no-hitters during her career—two perfect games, three individual no-hitters, and three combined no-hitters—accounting for two-thirds of all no-hitters in Wayne State softball history.

Her 2010 season remains one of the greatest in NCAA Division II history. She posted a 32-10 record with a 1.11 ERA and 358 strikeouts—the second-highest total in the nation that year—while leading WSC to both the NSIC Tournament and Central Regional titles.

In her senior year, Voth went 30-10 with a 1.31 ERA, recording 316 strikeouts in 256.2 innings with just 24 walks and 12 shutouts. Her most legendary performance came in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, when she threw all 18 innings—and 302 pitches—of a 1-0 win over Winona State in one of the longest games in NCAA Division II Tournament history. Fittingly, she also delivered the game-winning hit in that marathon.

In recognition of her extraordinary career, Voth was inducted into the Wayne State College Athletic Hall of Fame on April 30, 2022. Voth is a Athletic Trainer for OrthoNebraska Clinic and her husband Josh, and two daughters, Zoey and Kennedy.

Stacey (Struzynski) Zimmerman, Winona State University (2008-2012)

Stacey (Struzynski) Zimmerman stands among the most accomplished pitchers in Winona State University softball history, playing a pivotal role in one of the most successful eras the program has ever seen. Renowned for her consistency, power, and durability, Zimmerman left an indelible mark on the Warrior record books and the national stage.

A four-time All-America selection, Zimmerman capped her career by earning 2012 NSIC Pitcher of the Year and NCAA Region Pitcher of the Year honors. Her 79 career victories rank third all-time at WSU, and she remains the program’s all-time leader in career shutouts with 38. She also ranks second in school history in strikeouts (849) and third in innings pitched (670) and complete games (84). Her ability to dominate in the circle was further showcased by four career no-hitters and helping the Warriors to a super region championship and an appearance in the 2009 NCAA Softball Championships in Salem, Virginia. 

Zimmerman’s 118 appearances in the circle highlight her as one of the most durable and reliable pitchers to ever wear a Warrior uniform. Her contributions helped power Winona State to national relevance, anchoring a pitching staff that consistently competed at the highest level within the NSIC and NCAA Division II ranks. 

With her record-setting performances and unwavering presence on the mound, Zimmerman helped set the standard for excellence in Warrior softball—a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of WSU student-athletes.

Zimmerman currently works as a physical therapist assistant at ATI Physical Therapy and resides in Tinley Park, Illinois with her husband Brian.