Rochester, MN-
As the 2024 NJCAA Volleyball season begins this week, seventeen Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) volleyball teams will be hitting the courts with hopes of qualifying for the post-season tournament. Head coaches from each MCAC program shared their thoughts on the upcoming season.
Minnesota College Athletic Conference Volleyball competes at the NJCAA Division III level and is divided into a North and South division.
Read on for additional information about the MCAC Volleyball teams. Be sure to follow @MCACSports and @NJCAAVolleyball on Twitter for the latest in MCAC and NJCAA two-year college volleyball news, rankings and season information.
For the MCAC Volleyball home page, click here or go to: https://mcacsports.org/sports/wvball/index
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Minnesota College Athletic Conference2024 North Division Volleyball Preview
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Alexandria Technical & Community College
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Head Coach: Heather Trosdahl, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at ATCC: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: Jason Smith, Carly Erickson, Chato Alvarado, and CJ Erickson 2023 Record: 21-7 overall; 10-2 North Division; Tied for 1st place in the North Division; Region 13B Champions; 3rd place at the NJCAA DIII Volleyball National Tournament Top returning players: Meaghan Winters, OH, Jordan, MN (North All-Division 1st Team, All-MCAC Team, and All-Region 13 Team) Allie Thelen, DS, Avon, MN (North All-Division 2nd Team) Ady Tysdal, MB, Battle Lake, MN Top incoming/new players: Alayna Schultz, S, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, MN Liliana Rowe, DS, St. Francis, MN Abby Felts, MB, Park Rapids, MN Aspen Gentele, OH, Alexandria, MN Lailah Fuss, MB, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, MN Coach Trosdahl on the 2024 Legends team: "If we play like a team, we will have a high potential of great success. I couldn't have asked for a better group of young ladies for my first year as head coach." |
Central Lakes College
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Head Coach: Michaela Laudenbach, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at CLC: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: Leola Blake and Ben Bestland 2023 Record: 17-9 overall, 10-2 North Division; Tied for 1st place in the North Division Top returning players: Emma Simon, S, Annandale, MN Chesney Phillipp, MH, Jacksonville, NC Gretchen Eckhoff, S, Henning, MN Emily Lepinski, OH, Wadena, MN Top incoming/new players: Maddie Lochner, L, Pierz, MN Cate Travis, OH, Pine River, MN Megan Matarelli, OH, Carlson, MN Coach Laudenbach on the 2024 Raiders team: "We have a great group of returning players who will help mentor our incoming players. We have a lot of first-year players who are excited about the opportunity to play at a higher level. The team has great chemistry both on and off the volleyball court. We anticipate a fun and competitive season this fall." |
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Minnesota North College - Hibbing
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Head Coach: Travis Vake, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-H: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: Emma Keeler and Tom Keeler 2023 Record: 0-0 overall, 0-0 North Division Top returning players: Did not have a team in 2023. Top incoming/new players: Madeline Kallberg, Ely, MN Lyra Luebbert, Nevis, MN Kenzie McIntyre, Butte, MO Amya Fontaine, Chisholm, MN Kallie Richards, Zimmerman, MN Coach Vake on the 2024 Cardinals team: "This will be our first season back into the MCAC, and we are excited to compete and have fun along the way. Our only expectation is that we go out and leave it all on the floor each and every game. We are so lucky to have Emma Keeler as our Assistant Coach this year. She is so knowledgeable and has brought a lot to the table for us. We are thankful to her husband Tom Keeler for his help with some training as well." |
Minnesota North College - Itasca
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Head Coach: Leslie Reed, 24 years as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-I: 313-266 Assistant Coaching Staff: Mandi McNeil 2023 Record: 9-11 overall, 4-8 North Division; 5th place in the North Division Top returning players: Harley Lahr, RSH, Laporte, MN Top incoming/new players: Lily Petersen, OH, Grand Rapids, MN Alice Irvine, OH, Floodwood, MN Coach Reed on the 2024 Vikings team: "Looking forward to watching the growth of this group of athletes." |
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Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range
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Head Coach: Sara Matuszak, 6th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-MR: 72-53 Assistant Coaching Staff: Jesse Bennett, Assistant Coach; MaKayla Goerdt, Assistant Coach; and Kylee Huusko, Assistant Coach 2023 Record: 19-7 overall, 10-2 North Division; Tied for 1st place in the North Division Top returning players: Katie Peck, OH, Grand Marais, MN Jerzie Gustafson, L, Hibbing, MN (North All-Division 2nd Team) Allie Bittman, RS, Iron, MN Destry Whitbeck, DS, International Falls, MN
Top incoming/new players: Ashley Dahl, OH, Virginia, MN Aiesah Benner, OH, Virginia, MN Talise Goodsky, S, Cook, MN Jenna Sacco-LaMusga, DS, Hibbing, MN Hannah Edwards, MB, Deer River, MN Coach Matuszak on the 2024 Norse team: "We are relatively young in our hitting spots as we look to replace MCAC Northern Division Player of the Year Addy Gangl who is now playing at UW Superior. We are looking to compete for the post season and grow as a team as the season progresses." Noteworthy Information: Former Norse player Kylee Huusko will be part of the coaching staff this season. |
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Minnesota North College - Rainy River
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Head Coach: Shelby Nosan, 3rd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-RR: 13-28 Assistant Coaching Staff: Teah Goulet 2023 Record: 9-16 overall, 2-10 North Division, 6th place in the North Division Top returning players: Destiny Piekarski, MB, Littlefork, MN Alysa Padget, MB, Puyallup, WA Top incoming/new players: Ninette Lopez, MB, Mexico Jocelyn Copeland, OH, Rock Springs, WY Karsen Korpi, L, International Falls, MN Coach Nosan on the 2024 Voyageurs team: "We are very excited for this upcoming season. We have a strong defense returning with a lot of promising hitters joining us." |
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Minnesota North College - Vermilion
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Head Coach: Aaron Bender, 3rd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-V: 8-29 Assistant Coaching Staff: Sammy Redman 2023 Record: 1-17 overall, 0-12 North Division, 7th place in the North Division Top returning players: Tatiana Whiting, OH, Baraga, MI Top incoming/new players: Issabelle Mattson, OH, Virginia, MN Halle Baldwin, OH, Newfolden, MN Aubrea Gerlovich, S, Ely, MN Coach Bender on the 2024 Ironhawks team: "Looking forward to all of these athletes working hard, advancing their level of play, and developing a winning attitude." |
Northland Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Kelly Olson, 1st season as head coach Overall Coaching Record at NCTC: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: Sunny Edin, Assistant Coach 2023 Record: 13-11 overall, 6-6 North Division; 4th place in the North Division Top returning players: Riley Gust, MB/OH, Strathcona, MN Jada Kosmatka, DS/L, Watertown, MN Top incoming/new players: Kaydence Augustine, S, Newfolden, MN Sierra Westberg, RS, Middle River, MN Rylie Fredrickson, OH, Thief River Falls, MN Tessa Hoglo, MB, Thief River Falls, MN Annelise Castillo, DS/L, San Antonio, TX Coach Olson on the 2024 Pioneers team: "We expect to compete every day and work towards our team season goals." |
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Minnesota College Athletic Conference2024 South Division Volleyball Preview
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Anoka-Ramsey Community College
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Head Coach: Ryan Doolittle, 2nd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at ARCC: 10-13 Assistant Coaching Staff: John Nguyencong, Assistant Coach 2023 Record: 10-13 overall, 5-12 South Division; 6th place in the South Division Top returning players: Jordan McMahon, St. Louis Park, MN Top incoming/new players: Sophia Rondeau, S, Big Lake, MN Ashley Strang, OH, Onamia, MN Coach Doolittle on the 2024 Rams team: "Hopeful." |
Century College |
Head Coach: Jay Kam, 5th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at CC: 68-38 Assistant Coaching Staff: Camille Hitzemann, Assistant Coach 2023 Record: 29-5 overall, 13-2 South Division; 1st place in the South Division; Region 13A Champs; 2nd place at the NJCAA National Tournament Top returning players: Alexis Helmin, MH, Sauk Rapids, MN (1st Team South All-Division, All-MCAC, All-Region 13, 1st Team NJCAA All-American) Jalyn Wolle, S, Mounds View, MN Josie Popp, DS, Richfield, MN Top incoming/new players: Gracie Wenger, OH, Montgomery, MN Madelyn Robillard, L, Roseville, MN Lilly Wynn, OPP, North St. Paul, MN Ariana Noplos, MH, Fergus Falls, MN Coach Kam on the 2024 Wood Ducks team: "One of the hardest things about community college is that we turn over our rosters every year. We have some key returners, but we are not the same team as last year. We need to make this year's experience our own. It's a good group of student-athletes, and if we celebrate each others' successes, it'll be a fun season." Noteworthy Information: Camille Hitzemann is the new assistant coach. Having played at St. Cloud Technical and Community College and coaching at Robinsdale-Cooper High School and Minnesota Select, Camille understands community college athletics, bringing experience and new ideas to help player development. |
Minnesota State Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Laura Tungseth, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at M State: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: Taylor Berndt, Assistant Coach 2023 Record: 16-14 overall, 14-2 South Division; 2nd place in the South Division Top returning players: Madi Foss, OH, Fergus Falls, MN Top incoming/new players: Lucy Meier, MH, New Rockford, ND Katie Hess, DS/L, Underwood, MN Coach Tungseth on the 2024 Spartans team: "We have a lot of new enthusiastic and hardworking girls this year. We're working on getting them acclimated to the college-level play. I'm excited to see how the team chemistry develops as the season continues, as there is lots of potential with this group of ladies." |
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Brittney McNab, 6th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MWCTC: 64-58 Assistant Coaching Staff: CJ Nelson 2023 Record: 24-9 overall, 13-3 South Division; 3rd place in the South Division Top returning players: Ella Hesse, OH, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, MN (1st Team South All-Division, All-MCAC, All-Region 13, 1st Team NJCAA All-American) Lexi Schreuers, S, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, MN (1st Team South All-Division, All-MCAC, All-Region 13) Top incoming/new players: Sadie Krahling, OH, Adrian, MN Raya Van Beek, Rock Valley, IA Kylee Larsen, Redwood Falls, MN Abby Loosbrock, Slayton, MN Kadyn Paulson, L, Windom, MN Coach McNab on the 2024 Blue Jays team: "We have very high expectations on the season and hope to compete for a conference title." |
Ridgewater College
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Head Coach: Baylie Kubesh, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at RC: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: Alexis Peters, Assistant Coach 2023 Record: 9-19 overall, 4-12 South Division; 7th place in the South Division Top returning players: Emma Kallio, S, Waverly, MN Ashlee Nelson, DS, Glencoe, MN Top incoming/new players: Rachel Jakel, MB/OH, Svea, MN Alexis Owens, DS/OH, Willmar, MN Eben Overcash, Kerkhoven, MN Lauren Baringer, DS/OH, Morgan, MN Alli Malmgren, OH/OPP, St. James, MN Coach Kubesh on the 2024 Warriors team: "We have a small group, but a hardworking and determined group. I have girls who want to be here and are going to show up for each other every day. My expectations for this season are that we show up to compete every day and continue to put in the work necessary to grow our volleyball IQ ad skill. I want to establish a championship mindset and atmosphere within the program." |
Riverland Community College
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Head Coach: A Yang, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at RCC: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A 2023 Record: 1-23 overall, 0-15 South Division; 9th place in the South Division Top returning players: Isis Walters, L, Medford, MN Top incoming/new players: Brenna Grade, MH, Wausu, WI Coach Yang on the 2024 Blue Devils team: "We are looking to establish and build a foundation to help us reach our bigger goals." |
Rochester Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Jen Nerison, 4th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at RCTC: 56-28 Assistant Coaching Staff: Chanda Xiong and Rocky Xiong 2023 Record: 15-10 overall, 11-5 South Division; 4th place in the South Division Top returning players: Sydney Kleist, S, Marion, IA (1st Team South All-Division, All-MCAC) Ella Landsteiner, OH, New Ulm, MN Mia McGuire, MH, St. Charles, MN Top incoming/new players: Jayda Bednarek, L, Marshall, MN Coach Nerison on the 2024 Yellowjackets team: "We have had a great start to our season so far. I am looking for our defense to step up and do big things this season compared to last season. We have strong leadership in our backcourt from freshman Jayda Bednarek and returning setter Sydney Kleist to lead our offense." |
St. Cloud Technical & Community College
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Head Coach: Heidi Smith, 14th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at SCTCC: 189-139 Assistant Coaching Staff: Cierra Washington, Assistant Coach 2023 Record: 14-13 overall, 8-8 South Division; 5th place in the South Division Top returning players: Olivia Mortenson, S, Kimball, MN Josie Hiltner, MH, Eden Valley, MN Abri Hennen, OH, Sartell, MN
Top incoming/new players: Brooklyn Fischer, MH, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, MN Presley Kenning, OH, Annandale, MN Jaden Sandquist, L, Annandale, MN Madalyn Gibson, L, Anoka, MN Madison Biegler, L, Monticello, MN Coach Smith on the 2024 Cyclones team: "We have more solid depth this year in all positions. Excited to see what this group can do!" |
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Western Technical College
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Head Coach: Brent Brigson, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at WTC: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: Emma Geiwitz, Lead Assistant Coach, and Jaborius Norwood, Volleyball Program Assistant 2023 Record: 6-15 overall, 4-12 South Division; 8th place in the South Division Top returning players: Mikkey Noll, OH, Pine Island, MN Abby Schelfhout, RS, La Crosse, WI Shelby Gulseth, S, Two Rivers, WI Top incoming/new players: Joeryn Freit, MH, Bongor, WI (transfer from RCTC) Bella Holzer, MH, Fountain City, WI Ashlyn Wnuk, OH, Fountain City, WI Coach Brigson on the 2024 Cavaliers team: "We plan on having a 'next point' mentality during the season. If we can do that match after match, I like our chances." |
About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.