Minnesota College Athletic Conference 

2022 North Division Volleyball Preview 

Central Lakes College

Head Coach: Jane Peterson, 32 years as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at CLC: 705-295

Assistant Coaching Staff: Ken Miller, assistant coach; Heather Trosdahl, volunteer assistant; and Krystal Brodeen, volunteer assistant

2021 Record: 23-10 overall, 11-0 North Division; Region 13B Champions, 5th place at NJCAA National Tournament

Top returning players: 

Megan Rinicker, MH, Henning, MN

Grace Peabody, S, Brainerd, MN

Gabbie Enneking, DS, Royalton, MN

Jaime Johnson, OH, Pine River, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Jenna Pelnis, DS, Howard Lake, MN

Kalli Papenfuss, OH, Crosby, MN

Morgan Majerus, OH, Milaca, MN

Allison Dornseif, S/RS, Hector, MN

Coach Peterson on the 2022 Raiders team: "Lots of options at all positions will provide for an exciting practice environment.  Really solid returning group. This team has great effort every day and a special commitment to holding each other accountable to improving every day.  That's our focus: taking advantage of every opportunity we have together."

Noteworthy Information:  Gabbie Enneking and Tori Plemel rearranged their life and schedule to return for another season to participate with this team and play in a great team environment.  Megan Rinicker is balancing a nursing major with volleyball.

Northland Community & Technical College

Head Coach: Courtney Nordby and Abdul Chamma

Overall Coaching Record at NCTC: 199-114

Assistant Coaching Staff: Michelle Skjerven

2021 Record: 11-11 overall, 8-4 North Division; 2nd place in the North Division

Top returning players: 

Madison Witte, MB, Tyler, MN

Chloe Kuznia, S, Grygla, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Giselle Cole, MB, Thief River Falls, MN

Sunny Edin, OH, Newfolden, MN

Coach Nordby on the 2022 Pioneers team: "Sophomore leadership will help guide freshmen into key roles this season."

Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range

Head Coach: Sara Matuszak, 5th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-MR: 36-36

Assistant Coaching Staff: Jesse Bennett, Assistant Coach; JoJo Scott, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 5-14 overall, 4-6 North Division; 5th place in the North Division

Top returning players: 

No one mentioned

Top incoming/new players:  

Kaelynn Kudis, MH, Cherry, MN

Johanna Westby, MH/OH, Eveleth, MN

Lauren Lautigar, S, Eveleth, MN

Kylee Huusko, OH, Hibbing, MN

Coach Matuszak on the 2022 Norse team: "We expect to bounce back and be a contender to advance to the regional tournament."

Noteworthy Information:  JoJo Scott returns to the Norse Volleyball program as an assistant coach.

Minnesota North College - Itasca

Head Coach: Leslie Reed, 22 years as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-I: 288-249

Assistant Coaching Staff: Mandi McNeil, assistant coach; and Emily Kessler, assistant coach

2021 Record: 5-10 overall, 2-10 North Division; 7th place in the North Division

Top returning players: 

Kaisa Reed, OH, Bovey, MN

Tiora Ferguson, Anaconda, MT

Top incoming/new players:  

Lacie O'Leary, RS, Barnum, MN

Maddie Irvine, MH, Floodwood, MN

Breea Rasmussen, OH, Cloquet, MN

Senia Erkkila, DS, Caleraine, MN

Coach Reed on the 2022 Vikings team: "With only two returning players from 2021, we will be a young group."

Noteworthy Information:  Alumnus, Mandi McNeil, has been added as an assistant coach for the 2022 season.

Minnesota North College - Vermilion

Head Coach: Aaron Bender, 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-V: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Aubrea Smeija, manager

2021 Record: 9-7 overall, 7-5 North Division

Top returning players: 

Thea Baier, S

Naomi Bollman, OH

Misty Bozich, RS

Top incoming/new players:  

Destiny Hering

Alexis Halberg

Coach Bender on the 2022 Ironhawks team: "Looking forward to all of these athletes working hard, advancing their level of play, and developing a winning attitude."

Noteworthy Information:  Coach Bender begins his first year at Vermilion after previously coaching at NJCAA DII Gogebic Community College.

Minnesota North College - Hibbing

Head Coach: Kasey Palmer, 4th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-H: 16-22

Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A

2021 Record: 7-10 overall, 7-5 North Division; 3rd place in the North Division

Top returning players: 

Emma DuChamp, MB, Chisholm, MN

Emily Howard, DS, Keewatin, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Kaydince Thoennes, MH, Nashwauk, MN

Lexi Carroll, S, Nashwauk, MN

Arianna Jaynes, OH, Hibbing, MN

Coach Palmer on the 2022 Cardinals team: "A great group of young athletes with a lot of potential for growth throughout the season."

Alexandria College

Head Coach: Mitch McGuire, 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at AC: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Becky Schlichting, assistant coach

2021 Record: New program - no previous record

Top returning players: 

New program in 2022

Top incoming/new players:  

Kailey Fischer, S, Brooten, MN

Kimberly Pagel, MH, Benson, MN

Coach McGuire on the 2022 Legends team: "We are eager to get the Alexandria College volleyball program up and running; we have a solid group of incoming athletes and are looking forward to being a competitive team within the conference."

Noteworthy Information:  This is the first year of volleyball at Alexandria College, and the college and community are excited to get the season underway.

Minnesota North College - Rainy River

Head Coach: Shelby Nosan, 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-RR: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A

2021 Record: 4-16 overall, 2-10 North Division

Top returning players: 

No one mentioned

Top incoming/new players:  

Aliaya Salez, MH

Savannah Mcguinness, OH

Coach Nosan on the 2022 Voyageurs team: "This will be a growing year for us. It was a late recruiting season so we are focused on improvement and a fun filled season."

Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College

Head Coach: Hannah Tate, 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at FDLTCC: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Charlene Heule, athletic trainer

2021 Record: Did not compete

Top returning players: 

No returning players

Top incoming/new players:  

Holly Grondahl, MH, Carlton, MN

Lacey Lekander, OH/S, Wrenshall, MN

Alayna Matrious, OH, Finlayson, MN

Gracee Peterson, OH/S, Finlayson, MN

Trinity Semo, OH/RS, Cloquet, MN

Coach Tate on the 2022 Thunder team: "Post COVID, the team is very eager to jump back into the game.  I expect to see a lot of hard work and passion on the court."

Noteworthy Information:  Coach Tate will be the new head coach as the Thunder take the court after a multi-year layoff with their volleyball program.

Minnesota College Athletic Conference

2022 South Division Volleyball Preview

Minnesota State Community & Technical College

Head Coach: Abby Crowser, 8th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at M State: 120-51

Assistant Coaching Staff: Morgan Aasness, Assistant Coach; and Krista Price, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 21-6 overall, 15-1 South Division; tied for 1st place in the South Division, Region 13A Champions, 3rd at NJCAA DIII Volleyball National Tournament

Top returning players: 

Kaia Strom, S, Fergus Falls, MN

Brooke Hovland, OH, Underwood, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Faith Marion, OH/RS, Flasher, ND

Kendra Emery, OH/DS, East Grand Forks, MN

Kaleigh Sip, OH/RS, Ada, MN

Coach Crowser on the 2022 Spartans team: "Looking forward to a season with a large group of returners and a talented incoming freshman crew. Excited to compete in a very strong MCAC Southern Conference."

Rochester Community & Technical College

Head Coach: Jen Nerison, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at RCTC: 20-8

Assistant Coaching Staff: Molly Kleist, Assistant Coach; Hailey Huseth, Assistant Coach; Chanda Xiong, Assistant Coach; and Rocky Xiong, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 20-8 overall, 15-1 South Division; tied for 1st in the South Division, Region 13A Runner-Up

Top returning players: 

Kiley Nihart, L, Medford, MN

Alexis Simpson, OH, Caledonia, MN

Chelsea Lasker, S, Dodge Center, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Kennedy Hady, OH, Rochester, MN

Kylie Smidt, DS/S, Spring Valley, MN

Bailey Johnson, MH, Adams, MN

Coach Nerison on the 2022 Yellowjackets team: "We are starting the season with a full roster. We have 8 returning players and 7 incoming first-year players.  The gym has been full of energy and hard work to start off the 2022 season."

Noteworthy Information:  The competitive, hard-working, and supportive group of players have high expectations for the season.

St. Cloud Technical & Community College

Head Coach: Heidi Smith, 12th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at SCTCC: 176-113

Assistant Coaching Staff: Cierra Washington, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 16-6 overall, 12-4 South Division; 3rd place in the South Division

Top returning players: 

Allie Fritz, L, Norwood Young America, MN

Karissa Lintgen, OH, St. Cloud, MN

Makayla Balder, S, Onamia, MN

Kailee Barnett, OH, Onamia, MN

McKenna Gross, OH, Foley, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

None mentioned

Coach Smith on the 2022 Cyclones team: "We have a strong group of returners and solid incoming first-year players that are all great teammates and wonderful people, so excited to work with them! It is going to be a fun season seeing what this team can do.  We have added some height which we lacked last season."

Century College

Head Coach: Jay Kam, 3rd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at CC: 15-26

Assistant Coaching Staff: Nikki Higley, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 11-10 overall, 8-8 South Division; 4th place in the South Division

Top returning players: 

Emma Crandell, OH, Forest Lake, MN

Mackay Williams, DS, Salmon, ID

Top incoming/new players:  

Jamie Ihfe, OPP, Forest Lake, MN

Kiyomi Callahan, OH, St. Paul, MN

Coach Kam on the 2022 Wood Ducks team: "When we first started the program, the first year was rough.  Other coaches were supportive and kept telling me to wait 3 years. Then COVID set us back and we had to start over.  To have players in their second year and a solid class coming in, it's going to be different.  We can't predict what our record will be, but we can enjoy the process and work hard to be the best student-athletes we can be."

Noteworthy Information:  Nikki Higley has joined the coaching staff with an impressive college playing resume and 10 years of coaching experience. Century College has added portable bleachers to their gym.

Ridgewater College

Head Coach: Amanda Bohlsen, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at RC: 10-11

Assistant Coaching Staff: Kristin Edwardson, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 10-11 overall, 7-9 South Division; 5th place in the South Division

Top returning players: 

Tayler Schmidt, L, Paynesville, MN

Harley Kustleben, RH, Paynesville, MN

Adelia Pierson, OH/LB, Braham, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Gabrielle Randt, RS, Clara City, MN

Anayansi Flores, OH, Sacred Heart, MN

Julia Schweiss, MH, Fairfax, MN

Elizabeth Koenen, OH, Clara City, MN

Jenna Kunerth, OH, Long Prairie, MN

Coach Bohlsen on the 2022 Warriors team: "We have extremely high expectations for this group of very talented, local athletes.  This team has prioritized offseason strength and conditioning as well as team bonding and building connections and friendships with their new teammates which we know will show in our success throughout the season."

Noteworthy Information:  The Warriors should draw large crowds with 14 members of the team coming from within 90 minutes of the campus.

Minnesota West Community & Technical College

Head Coach: Brittney McNab, 4th year as head coach

Assistant Coaching Staff: CJ Nelson, Assistant Coach; Kiana Leighty, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 9-15 overall, 5-11 South Division; 7th place in the South Division

Top returning players: 

Kennedy Buckneberg, OH

Dannyn Peterson, RS

Top incoming/new players:  

Kiarra Danielson

Hattie Mae Devries

Courtney Moser

Coach McNab on the 2022 Blue Jays team: "We have a young team who will hopefully look to make a big impact and will rely on some sophomore leadership."

Riverland Community College

Head Coach: Jaime Meyer, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at RCC: 7-17

Assistant Coaching Staff: Kim Severson, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 7-17 overall, 4-12 South Division; 8th place in the South Division

Top returning players: 

Makenna Krause, L, Stewartville, MN

Sydney Taylor, OH, Lanesboro, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Hilary Minnich, S, Stewartville, MN

Grace Frost, OPP

Coach Meyer on the 2022 Blue Devils team: "We have a good core group of women that have great attitudes, want to work hard and are competitive. They show a desire to win, work together, and improve.  Riverland is a team that is going to make some noise this year and we are all really excited about it!"

Noteworthy Information:  Blue Devils are a program continuing to build and are excited about their future.

Western Technical College

Head Coach: Jen Watson, 11th year as head coach

Assistant Coaching Staff: Tana Davis, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 7-12 overall, 6-10 South Division; 6th place in the South Division

Top returning players: 

Jordyn Holman, OH, Mount Horeb, WI

Top incoming/new players:  

Mykaylia Bauer, L, Potosi, WI

Coach Watson on the 2022 Cavaliers team: "The Western Volleyball program provides an opportunity and expectation for student athletes to continue their athletic careers by competing in the classroom and on the court.  Western is returning three players this season and will be looking for those ladies to lead the way. We are expecting to go out each night, perform at a high level, and compete with all teams across the conference."

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Head Coach: Nicole Christensen, 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at ARCC: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Ryan Doolittle, Assistant Coach

2021 Record: 5-18 overall, 0-16 South Division; 9th place in the South Division

Top returning players: 

Maggie Kohl, MH, transfer from SCTCC

Top incoming/new players:  

Makyhia Evans, MH, Park Center High School

Sophia Rondeau, OH, Big Lake High School

Coach Christensen on the 2022 Rams team: "1% better everyday"

Noteworthy Information:  ARCC Athletics is under new leadership after hiring Jessica Pelzel as the AD. Excellent facilities should help the volleyball program improve from previous seasons.