MCAC Volleyball Begins Season; Minnesota West and Alexandria Tech picked to finish at the top of their divisions

MCAC Volleyball Begins Season; Minnesota West and Alexandria Tech picked to finish at the top of their divisions

Rochester, MN- 

Sixteen Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) volleyball teams will be hitting the courts as the 2025 season begins this week, all with hopes of qualifying for the postseason tournament. Head coaches from each MCAC program shared their thoughts on the upcoming season and ranked the teams in their respective divisions in a preseason coaches poll.

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

 

             

Minnesota College Athletic Conference 

2025 North Division Volleyball Preview 

(Teams are listed in order of predicted finish based on coaches' poll.)

 

 

Alexandria Technical & Community College

 

 

Head Coach: Jason Smith, 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at ATCC:  0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Reagan Joseph, assistant coach; Erica Smith, assistant coach; Carly Erickson, athletic director; and Chato Alvarado, athletic director

2024 Record: 18-8 overall; 10-4 North Division; 2nd place in the North Division; Region 13 Tournament Qualifier

Top returning players

Lilliana Rowe, DS/L, St. Francis, MN

Aspen Gentele, OPP, Alexandria, MN

Maddy Stocker, S/OPP, East Grand Forks, MN

Ashlyn Kahler, MB/OPP, Wahpeton, ND

Jaci Domeier, OH/MB, Sleepy Eye, MN

Olivia Schmiesing, DS/L, Melrose, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Eva Eisel, OH/DS, Alexandria, MN

Emma Madison, OH/DS, Spicer, MN

Alexis Nurmi, MB/OPP, Maynard, MN

Ella Demars, DS/L, Monticello, MN

Brielle Bitzan, S, Watkins, MN

Coach Smith on the 2025 Legends team: "We have high expectations entering the 2025 season. We are returning six key sophomores and added five strong freshmen, who I fully expect to contribute to our success this fall. Our expectation is to be in a position to win our conference. Obviously, our eyes are set on a postseason bid, but we fully understand that all teams are back at square one and all have similar goals. We simply want to improve each week to control our outcome all the way to November 15th. We are looking forward to an exciting 2025 season." 

 

 

Central Lakes College

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Michaela Laudenbach, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at CLC: 20-7

Assistant Coaching Staff: Ben Bestland

2024 Record: 20-7 overall, 13-1 North Division; 1st place in the North Division; Region 13 Tournament Qualifier

Top returning players

Maddie Lochner, L, Pierz, MN (All-Division, All-MCAC, All-Region, and 2-time NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week)

Megan Matarelli, OH, Carlton, MN (All-Division)

Cate Travis, DS, Pine River, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Danielle Kocur, OH, Pillager, MN

Jada Loucks, MB, Pillager, MN

Gracie Mudgett, S, Pillager, MN

Coach Laudenbach on the 2025 Raiders team: "We graduated three main starters from last year, but we have a great group of defensive players returning. We are excited about our incoming offensive players who will complement our back row. We anticipate another competitive season."

Notable Information: Central Lakes is in the middle of a huge facility renovation on campus. The college anticipates the renovation will be completed before the end of the volleyball season.

 

 

Minnesota North College - Rainy River

 

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Shelby Nosan, 4th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-RR: 29-41

Assistant Coaching Staff: Teah Goulet, Terry McMahon, and Allison Hyatt

2024 Record: 15-12 overall, 9-5 North Division, 3rd place in the North Division; Region 13 Tournament Qualifier

Top returning players

Karsen Korpi, L, International Falls, MN (All-Division, All-Sportsmanship, MCAC Elite Team)

Ninette Romero, OH, Jalisco, Mexico (All-Division)

Top incoming/new players:  

Janne Ramakers, MB, Netherlands

Unique Paypom, MB, Kenora, Ontario

Claire Desjardine, RS, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Coach Nosan on the 2025 Voyageurs team: "We are very excited for this upcoming season with our six solid returning sophomores, as well as our 12 hardworking freshmen. The team has been training hard, and we are excited to play some games." 

 

 

Northland Community & Technical College

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Kelly Olson, 2nd season as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at NCTC: 11-12

Assistant Coaching Staff: Riley Gust, Assistant Coach; and Isaiah Albertie, Volunteer Assistant

2024 Record: 11-12 overall, 8-6 North Division; Tied for 4th place in the North Division

Top returning players

Sierra Westberg, OH, Middle River, MN (All-Division)

Kadence Augustine, S, Newfolden, MN (All-Division)

Lily Holthusen, MB, Newfolden, MN (All-Sportsmanship Team)

Riley Fredrickson, RS, Thief River Falls, MN

Tessa Hoglo, MB, Thief River Falls, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

McKenzie Dahl, OH, Greenbush, MN

Sheynelle Weaver, RS/MB, Naytahwaush, MN

Abigail Sauer, OH, Bagley, MN

Halle Balwin, DS, Middle River, MN

Coach Olson on the 2025 Pioneers team: "With a good number of key returners and some new players coming in, we are looking to build off of last year." 

 

 

Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range

 

 

 

Head Coach: Sara Matuszak, 8th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-MR: 84-67 at MNC-MR (101-78 overall head coaching record)

Assistant Coaching Staff: Jesse Bennett, assistant coach; Addy Gangl, assistant coach; Gideon Hulse, student assistant; and Tianna Clayton, manager

2024 Record: 12-14 overall, 8-6 North Division; Tied for 4th place in the North Division

Top returning players

Jenna Sacco-Lamusga, L, Hibbing, MN

Hannah Edwards, MB, Deer River, MN

Talise Goodsky, S, Tower, MN

Gabby Lira, OH, Mountain Iron, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Annika Grose, S, Grand Rapids, MN

Memphys Tendrup, OH, Bigfork, MN

Else Bee, MB, Babbitt, MN

Coach Matuszak on the 2025 Norse team: "We have a good group of returning players and a solid group of incoming freshmen as we seek to compete for a postseason slot."

Noteworthy Information:  Former Norse volleyballer, Addy Gangl, returns to Mesabi Range as an assistant coach. The college also installed new scoreboards in the gym.

 

 

Minnesota North College - Itasca

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Leslie Reed, 25 years as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-I: 317-282

Assistant Coaching Staff: Mandi McNeil and Lexi Carroll

2024 Record: 4-16 overall, 3-11 North Division; 7th place in the North Division

Top returning players

Alice Irvine, OH, Fleetwood, MN

Ashley Boland, L, Great Falls, MT

Top incoming/new players:  

Kalli Fjeld, MB, Floodwood, MN

Bella Dunham, S, Hill City, MN

Coach Reed on the 2025 Vikings team: "Small number of players so hoping to keep players healthy throughout the season."

 

 

Minnesota North College - Vermilion

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Samantha Redman 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MNC-V: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Zianna Espinoza, assistant coach; and Aaron Bender, support staff

2024 Record: 0-17 overall, 0-14 North Division, 8th place in the North Division

Top returning players

Aubree Gerlovich, S, Ely, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Emily Burns, DS, Watertown, MN

Paige Wilson, RS, Mountain Lake, MN

Coach Redman on the 2025 Ironhawks team: "My goal is for us to improve our skills throughout the season and to have a better record than last season."

 

 

        

Minnesota College Athletic Conference

2025 South Division Volleyball Preview

(Teams are listed in order of predicted finish based on coaches' poll.)

 

 

Minnesota West Community & Technical College

 

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Brittney McNab, 8th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at MWCTC: 99-63

Assistant Coaching Staff: CJ Nelson, assistant coach; and Kayla Fox, social media

2024 Record: 35-5 overall, 13-1 South Division; 1st place in the South Division; Region 13A Champs; 2nd at Nationals

Top returning players

Sadie Krahling, OH, Adrian, MN

Ally Nelson, MB, Tyler, MN

Kadyn Paulson, L, Windom, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Aleah Wagner, OH, Garretson, SD

Ellyana Sand, Albany, MN

Coach McNab on the 2025 Blue Jays team: "I'm very excited for another competitive season, bringing back nine sophomores who are able to lead on and off the court!"

 

 

St. Cloud Technical & Community College

 

 

 

Head Coach: Heidi Smith, 15th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at SCTCC: 205-146

Assistant Coaching Staff: Cierra Washington, assistant coach

2024 Record: 18-7 overall, 9-3 South Division; 3rd place in the South Division; Region 13 Tournament Runner-Up

Top returning players

Brooklyn Fischer, MH, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, MN

Lexy Nehring, OH, Ogilvie, MN

Jadyn Young, S, Marcus, IA

Jaden Sandquist, L, Annandale, MN

Maddie Frieler, MH, Paynesville, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

No one mentioned.

Coach Smith on the 2025 Cyclones team: "We have a great group! With eight sophomores, we have a lot of experience! I'm excited for what's ahead." 

 

 

Century College

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Mike Alexander, 1st year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at CC: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Angie Peterson, assistant coach

2024 Record: 28-6 overall, 10-2 South Division; 2nd place in the South Division; 4th at Nationals

Top returning players

Maddie Robillard, L, Roseville, MN

Lilly Wynn, RS, North St. Paul, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Erin Busch, S, New Prague, MN

Hannah Jarocki, OH, River Falls, WI

Coach Alexander on the 2025 Wood Ducks team: "This program has had a great run over the past three years. Myself and this year's team hopes to keep building on that tradition and giving our most perfect effort."

 

 

Rochester Community & Technical College

 

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Jen Nerison, 5th year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at RCTC: 71-42

Assistant Coaching Staff: Chanda Xiong and Rocky Xiong 

2024 Record: 15-14 overall, 6-6 South Division; 4th place in the South Division, Region 13B Champs, 10th at Nationals

Top returning players

Jayda Bednarek, L, Marshall, MN (All-Division, All-MCAC)

Top incoming/new players:  

Lily Holtan, RH/S, Rochester, MN

Carmen Nerison, S, Wanamingo, MN

Kylie Minnich, OH, Stewartville, MN

Coach Nerison on the 2025 Yellowjackets team: "Our team has been putting in the work, and it's been exciting to see the chemistry building every day. While we may not have the height that some other teams do, we plan to make up for it with quickness, smart play, and a strong defensive presence. These athletes have shown great determination and a willingness to push each other to get better, and I'm confident that effort and teamwork will be the foundation of our success this season."

 

 

Western Technical College

 

 

 

Head Coach: Brent Brigson, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at WTC: 9-13

Assistant Coaching Staff: Emma Geiwitz, lead assistant coach; and Joeryn Freit, program assistant

2024 Record: 9-13 overall, 3-9 South Division; Tied for 5th place in the South Division

Top returning players

Bella Holzer, MH, Fountain City, WI

Ashlyn Wnuk, OH, Fountain City, WI

Paityn Kail, S, Broadhead, WI

Top incoming/new players:  

Maddie Mraz, OH, Tomah, WI

Libby Mathison, L/DS, Tomah, WI

Bryne Swenson, OH, Viroqua, WI

Sky Gilbertson, DS/L, Seneca, WI

Coach Brigson on the 2025 Cavaliers team: "We are going to surprise some people."

 

 

Minnesota State Community & Technical College

 

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Laura Tungseth, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at M State: 6-10

Assistant Coaching Staff: Taylor Berndt, assistant coach; and Chris Tungseth, assistant coach

2024 Record: 6-10 overall, 3-9 South Division; Tied for 5th place in the South Division

Top returning players

Katie Hess, L, Underwood, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Sophie Sanstead, L, Hoffman, MN

Taylor Dingwall, MH, Brandon, MN

Coach Tungseth on the 2025 Spartans team: "We have a smaller group again this season with mostly freshmen on the team. I'm excited to see how the season goes and how these girls get acclimated to the college-level play. Lots of potential with this group of ladies." 

Notable Information: Chris Tungseth has joined the coaching staff this season as an assistant coach.

 

 

Ridgewater College

 

 

 

Head Coach: Baylie Kubesh, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at RC: 3-17

Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A

2024 Record: 3-17 overall, 0-12 South Division; 7th place in the South Division

Top returning players

No one mentioned.

Top incoming/new players:  

No one mentioned.

Coach Kubesh on the 2025 Warriors team: No comment provided.

 

 

Riverland Community College

 

 

 

Head Coach: A Yang, 2nd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at RCC: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A

2024 Record: 0-0 overall, 0-0 South Division; Riverland did not compete in 2024

Top returning players

Isis Walters, L, Medford, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Macey Johnson, S, Chandler, AZ

Brienna Brewer, OH, Rapid City, SD

Kyana Hutchinson, OH, Seward, AK

Ellasyn Carrier, L, Houston, MN

Brea Belting, OPP, Owatonna, MN

Coach Yang on the 2025 Blue Devils team: "We are excited to return to competition this season. We plan to make an impact, and we're ready to showcase who we are."

Notable Information: After cancelling the 2024 season, Riverland has rebuilt its program, and this season should lay the groundwork for future success.

 

 

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

 

 

 

 

Head Coach: Ryan Doolittle, 3rd year as head coach

Overall Coaching Record at ARCC: 12-33

Assistant Coaching Staff: Maui Kahiapo, Assistant Coach

2024 Record: Anoka-Ramsey played as a club team in 2024

Top returning players

Ashley Strang, OH, Onamia, MN

Top incoming/new players:  

Melissa Schmit, S, Brooklyn Park, MN

Anastasia Vlasyuk, OH, St. Francis, MN

Coach Doolittle on the 2025 Rams team: "Pushing the program forward this year."

 

 

  

 

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.