Rochester, MN-
As the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) Volleyball season gets into full swing, 16 teams are working hard to qualify for the post-season tournament. Coaches from around the MCAC shared their thoughts on the 2023 season.
Minnesota College Athletic Conference Volleyball competes at the NJCAA Division III level and is divided into two divisions, North and South.
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 Conference2023 North Division Volleyball Preview
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Alexandria College
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Head Coach: Mitch McGuire, 2nd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at AC: 13-9 Assistant Coaching Staff: Brittany Sand and Heather Trosdahl 2022 Record: 13-9 overall; 10-6 North Division; 5th place in the North Division Top returning players: Kailey Fischer, S, Brooten, MN (1st Team All-Division, All-MCAC, All-Region 13) Haley Middendorf, DS, Sauk Centre, MN Top incoming/new players: Kendal Kopp, OH, Big Lake, MN Meaghan Winters, Jordan, MN Kendall Buerman, S/H, Albany, MN Allie Thelen, DS, Albany, MN Camryn Hanson, S/H, Milltown, WI Kimberly Pagel, MH, Benson, MN Coach McGuire on the 2023 Legends team: "We have athletes that are capable of playing multiple positions. We will be strong and competitive this season." |
Central Lakes College
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Head Coach: Jane Peterson, 33 years as head coach Overall Coaching Record at CLC: 720-309 Assistant Coaching Staff: Krystal Brodeen, Alex Swanson, and Keith Peterson 2022 Record: 25-14 overall, 11-5 North Division; 4th place in the North Division Top returning players: Jenna Pelnis, DS, Howard Lake, MN Kalli Papenfuss, OH, Crosby Ironton, MN Nana Lopez, OH, Moorhead, MN Morgan Majerus, OH, Milaca, MN Top incoming/new players: Emma Simon, S, Annandale, MN Izzy Pennertz, MH, Litchfield, MN Chesney Phillip, MH, Holdingford, MN Coach Peterson on the 2023 Raiders team: "Lots of youth excited to learn and grow. Sophomores will have an increased role on and off the court. We are working hard to live up to our own expectations of what a successful team is all about! Quite a few locals, balancing living at home and growing into being a college student. Exactly why community colleges should exist!" |
Minnesota North College - Itasca
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Head Coach: Leslie Reed, 23 years as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-I: 304-255 Assistant Coaching Staff: Mandi McNeil 2022 Record: 16-6 overall, 12-4 North Division; 2nd place in the North Division Top returning players: Brooke Meyer, S, Melrose, MN (2nd Team All-Division) Top incoming/new players: Camdyn Keagle, L, Grand Rapids, MN Harley Larh, OH/RS, Laporte, MN Skylar Beckel, OH/RS, Elgin, MN Coach Reed on the 2023 Vikings team: "Young team with only one returning sophomore." |
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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: 53-46 Assistant Coaching Staff: Jesse Bennett, Assistant Coach; MaKayla Goerdt, Assistant Coach; Elizabeth Hey, Manager; Janie Potts, Manager 2022 Record: 17-10 overall, 13-3 North Division; 1st place in the North Division Top returning players: Joey Westby, MB, Eveleth, MN Kylee Huusko, OH, Hibbing, MN Abbigail Shuster, DS/L, Cook, MN Top incoming/new players: Addy Gangl, MB, Nashwauk, MN Madeline Kallberg, S/RS, Ely, MN Nakaiyah Nimene, OH, Floodwood, MN Katie Peck, OH, Grand Marais, MN Claire Cushman, DS/L, Cherry, MN Coach Matuszak on the 2023 Norse team: "We look to defend our MCAC Northern Division Title. We have a much more dynamic offense and are very deep at many positions." Noteworthy Information: The team locker room has been completely renovated. |
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Minnesota North College - Rainy River
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Head Coach: Shelby Nosan, 2nd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-RR: 4-12 Assistant Coaching Staff: Teah Goulet 2022 Record: 5-14 overall, 3-13 North Division, 8th place in the North Division Top returning players: Cara Polk, S, Palacious, TX Cyra Polk, L, Palacious, TX Zoe Adkins, DS, Homer, AK Madison Lowe, MH, International Falls, MN KayLynn Cronin, RS, International Falls, MN Top incoming/new players: Bella Wille, OH, International Falls, MN Madison Wille, RS, International Falls, MN Alyssa Padgett, MH, Puyallup, WA April Hernandez, MH, Glendale, AZ Grace Smith, OH, Northwest Bay, Ontario, Canada Coach Nosan on the 2023 Voyageurs team: "We are very excited for this 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, 2nd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at MNC-V: 7-12 Assistant Coaching Staff: Misty Bozich and Naomi Bollman 2022 Record: 7-12 overall, 6-10 North Division, 6th place in the North Division Top returning players: Destiny Hering, OH, Superior, WI Julia Fornengo, DS/S, Sandstone, MN Chloe Sullivan, MB, International Falls, MN Top incoming/new players: Tasha Fulkrod, MB, Ely, MN Courtney Elrich, L, Ely, MN Trina Roberts, OH/MB, New Orleans, LA Coach Bender on the 2023 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: Abdul Chamma and Courtney Nordby Overall Coaching Record at NCTC: 214-120 Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A 2022 Record: 15-6 overall, 12-4 North Division; 3rd place in the North Division Top returning players: Sunny Edin, S/OH, Newfolden, MN Giselle Cole, MB, Thief River Falls, MN Grace Loeslie, DS, East Grand Forks, MN Top incoming/new players: Aly Hart, OH, Henning, MN Riley Gust, MB, Strathcona, MN Coach Chamma on the 2023 Pioneers team: "Excited to see players fill some new roles. Players are adapting quickly and looking forward to see where it leads." |
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Minnesota College Athletic Conference2023 South Division Volleyball Preview
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Anoka-Ramsey Community College
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Head Coach: Ryan Doolittle, 1st year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at ARCC: 0-0 Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A 2022 Record: 1-23 overall, 0-16 South Division; 9th place in the South Division Top returning players: Makyhia Evans, MB, Brooklyn Center, MN Stephanie Hannon, OPP, North Branch, MN Lindsey Meizo, S/L, North Branch, MN Top incoming/new players: Gracie Wenger, OH Jordan McMahon, MB Amanda Stepniak, L Coach Doolittle on the 2023 Rams team: "Hopefully take a nice step forward!" |
Century College |
Head Coach: Jay Kam, 4th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at CC: 39-33 Assistant Coaching Staff: Nikki Higley, Assistant Coach 2022 Record: 24-7 overall, 14-2 South Division; 1st place in the South Division; Region 13A Champs; 4th place at the NJCAA National Tournament Top returning players: Kiyomi Callahan, OH, St. Paul, MN (All-Division, All-MCAC, All-Region 13) Gabrielle Schwirtz, S, Plato, MN (All-Division, All-MCAC) Jamie Ihfe, OPP, Wyoming, MN (NJCAA Championships All-Tournament Team) Top incoming/new players: Alexis Helmin, MH, Foley, MN Kylie Naylor, OH, New Richmond, WI Jalyn Wolle, S, New Brighton, MN Josephine Popp, OH, Richfield, MN Coach Kam on the 2023 Wood Ducks team: "We had a fantastic season last fall that was completely unexpected. We are not going to the same team this year as we lost several key players that helped us accomplish all that we did. We would love to make another postseason appearance, but it's not fair to the current team to expect it. The goal is to be the best student-athletes we can be and contribute what we can so that everyone has a memorable experience." |
Minnesota State Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Abby Crowser, 9th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at M State: 147-58 Assistant Coaching Staff: Morgan Aasness, Krista Price, Alaina Anderson, and Abby Tysdal (statistician) 2022 Record: 25-9 overall, 14-2 South Division; 2nd place in the South Division, Region 13B Champs, 5th place at the NJCAA National Tournament Top returning players: Faith Marion, OH, Flasher, ND (1st Team All-Division, All-MCAC) Kaleigh Sip, OH, Ada, MN (2nd Team All-Division, MVP of Region 13B Tournament) Kendra Emery, OH, East Grand Forks, MN Top incoming/new players: Sydney Schaefer, S, Brandon, MN Cassie Dahl, S, Greenbush, MN Maddie Ballweg, DS, Fergus Falls, MN Coach Crowser on the 2023 Spartans team: "Big crew of freshmen so figuring out the best rotation and getting them acclimated with our sophomores right away will be crucial." |
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Brittney McNab, 5th year as head coach Assistant Coaching Staff: CJ Nelson 2022 Record: 13-17 overall, 8-8 South Division; 5th place in the South Division Top returning players: Kiarra Danielson, RS/S, Tracy, MN Hattie Devries, MH, Roseville, MN Top incoming/new players: Lexi Schreurs, S, Tyler, MN Ella Hesse, OH, Tyler, MN Ella Kamrud, OH, Tracy, MN Skyla Peterson, MH, White, SD Coach McNab on the 2023 Blue Jays team: "Expecting to finish top 4." |
Ridgewater College
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Head Coach: Amanda Bohlsen, 3rd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at RC: 15-26 Assistant Coaching Staff: Kristin Edwardson 2022 Record: 5-15 overall, 4-12 South Division; 8th place in the South Division Top returning players: Gabrielle Randt, RH, Clara City, MN Elizabeth Koenen, OH, Clara City, MN Cailin Yoose, L, Spicer, MN Olivia Naatjes, S, Clara City, MN Top incoming/new players: Hannah Pharr, MH, Sacred Heart, MN Karli Jensen, DS, Kerkhoven, MN Jordan Thein, RS, Clara City, MN Emma Kallio, S, Waverly, MN Coach Bohlsen on the 2023 Warriors team: "We are excited to have been able to keep our recruiting local again this season with a majority of players who grew up competing in middle and high school against each other. We are excited to watch as this group continues to challenge and support each other as we progress through the season." |
Riverland Community College
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Head Coach: Jaime Meyer, 3rd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at RCC: 16-37 Assistant Coaching Staff: Kim Severson 2022 Record: 9-20 overall, 4-12 South Division; 7th place in the South Division Top returning players: Hilary Minich, S, Stewartville, MN Elizabeth Prostrullo, MH, Owatonna, MN Kenai Holein, MH, Alaska Top incoming/new players: Lilyana Lee, OH, Albert Lea, MN Sarah George, MH, New Richland, MN Madison Jackson, L, Mission, SD Coach Meyer on the 2023 Blue Devils team: "We have a lot of new, enthusiastic players that are ready to work hard and work together." |
Rochester Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Jen Nerison, 3rd year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at RCTC: 41-18 Assistant Coaching Staff: Chanda Xiong and Rocky Xiong 2022 Record: 21-10 overall, 13-3 South Division; 3rd place in the South Division, Region 13A runner-up Top returning players: Kylie Smidt, OH/DS, Stewartville, MN Sam Matarelli, MB/OH, Carlton, MN Top incoming/new players: Kyla Smith, OH, Dodge Center, MN Mia McGuire, MB/RS, St. Charles, MN Sydney Kleist, S, Marion, IA Coach Nerison on the 2023 Yellowjackets team: "We have two returning players that will make a big impact right away. We have a small squad this season starting out, but have a lot of potential to accomplish big things." |
St. Cloud Technical & Community College
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Head Coach: Heidi Smith, 13th year as head coach Overall Coaching Record at SCTCC: 192-126 Assistant Coaching Staff: Cierra Washington 2022 Record: 16-13 overall, 9-7 South Division; 4th place in the South Division Top returning players: Emily Kemp, MH, Eveleth, MN (All-Division, All-MCAC) Kylie Winter, DS, Brooten, MN Paige Rupp, RS, Belgrade, MN Kailee Beck, RS, Elk River, MN Talimai Cornillez, DS, St. Michael, MN (transfer from DCTC) Top incoming/new players: Olivia Mortenson, S, Kimball, MN Aria Peters, S, Granite Falls, MN Macie Long, DS, Foley, MN Abri Hennen, OH, Sartell, MN Josie Hiltner, MH, Eden Valley, MN Coach Smith on the 2023 Cyclones team: "We have a lot of holes to fill from last year, which is typical in our two-year system, but we have a lot of great people coming in! Should be a fun season." |
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Western Technical College
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Head Coach: Jen Watson, 12th year as head coach Assistant Coaching Staff: Tana Davis 2022 Record: 7-11 overall, 6-10 South Division; 6th place in the South Division Top returning players: Mykaylia Bauer, L, Petosi, WI Emma Geiwitz, MB, Houston, MN Top incoming/new players: Bri Bahr, S, La Crosse, WI Coach Watson on the 2023 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 two players this season and will be looking for those ladies to lead the way. We are looking forward to competing during each match and hopefully finding ourselves in the mix of playoff teams at the end of the season." |
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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.