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Track and field: Card hopes her last state meet is her best – West Central Tribune

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ST. MICHAEL — Lauren Eilers kept tabs on the competition.

The senior distance runner on the Willmar girls track and field team wanted to know how she stacked up against Class AA’s best after breaking the five-minute mark in the 1,600-meter run. Already the school’s record-holder in the 1,600, Lauren ran a career-best 4:56.25 at the Section 8AA championship.

As it turned out, Lauren stood alone at the top of the state qualifiers.

Lauren is the top seed in the Class AA girls’ 1,600. And she’ll look to finish off her prep career as a state champion at the Minnesota State High School League Track and Field Championships next week at St. Michael-Albertville High School. The Class AA prelims start at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The championships are at 9 a.m. Thursday.

“I thought maybe someone would get under five as well,” Lauren said, “but that didn’t happen.”

The 1,600 finals run on Thursday. After her last race, Lauren’s confidence is riding high.

“It builds up confidence knowing that I’m the only girl that has broken five,” Lauren said. “But also, everyone’s going to be running faster and it’s more competitive because it’s state.

“I just have to go run my own race.”

The No. 2 seed in the 1,600 is a familiar foe for Lauren. That’s Alexandria senior Kasey Soderholm. Her state qualifying time was 5:01.64. The other top seeds are St. Peter’s Keira Friedrich (5:02.57), Chisago Lakes’ Annika Hall (5:03.27) and Monticello’s Isabel Mahoney (5:03.37).

“I also ran against her in cross-country,” Lauren said of Soderholm. “Having her there and knowing that she’s going to push me no matter what, whether I’m having a bad day or a good day, she’s going to be there to push me and all the other girls, too.”

Lauren finished fifth in the 1,600 last season, running a time of 5:03.41. This is Lauren’s fifth straight season qualifying for state track.

This state meet will also be Lauren’s busiest. She’s also the fifth seed in the 800 (2:16.15) and is the anchor in the 10th-seeded 4×400 relay (4:03.43). Mallory Beier, Erin Eilers and Sophie Negen also run in the 4×400.

A cross-country and girls hockey standout, state track is Lauren’s finale as a Willmar High School athlete. She’ll resume her running career in college at Division I Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.

“It feels sad but also it’s good because these are the best times I’ve been hitting all my career,” Lauren said. “So it’s good to see the improvement over the years. I’ve been getting better and putting the work in and it’s paying off.”

Willmar senior Erin Eilers, middle, competes in the girls' 100-meter hurdles at the Cardinal Invitational on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Hodapp Field in Willmar.

Willmar senior Erin Eilers, middle, competes in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles at the Cardinal Invitational on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Hodapp Field in Willmar.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Since they came onto the varsity team as seventh-graders, Erin Eilers and her twin sister Lauren were near each other as distance runners.

But last season as a junior, Erin went from distance running to the hurdles. It was something she had wanted to try. Kody Fossum and Brady Krupa, then assistant coaches and now co-head coaches of the track team, decided to take Erin up on that once she was ready to take the leap, so to speak.

“They were like, ‘If you want to do it, we’ll help you but if you actually want to be good at it and you take it seriously, we’ll take it seriously, too,’” Erin said. “So we made that deal last year and we’ve just been working from there.”

Now, Erin’s getting her chance at state to compete in the girls’ 300 hurdles. She’s the sixth seed after winning the section title with a school record of 45.44. This is her fourth state trip overall.

“It was really emotional, honestly,” Erin said of setting the record. “I’ve been working on trying to break the school record since last year but I only had four races last year. Coming into this season, I told the coaches my goal is to break the school record.”

A little sibling rivalry flared up in Erin.

“Like, Lauren’s got two (in the 1,600 and 3,200), so I have to have one, you know,” Erin said. “It was my goal to get that. From there, I just want to keep pushing myself.”

The top seed in the 300 hurdles is Providence Academy’s Maddyn Greenway at 43.98. Behind her are Winona’s Alexis Urbick (44.62), Cloquet’s Makenzie Lynch (44.62), Mankato West’s Grace Jacobson (45.11) and DeLaSalle’s Laila Moses (45.33).

“I’m just going to run my race and just try to stay confident and push myself,” Erin said. “I know there’s going to be girls that are faster than me so they can pull me with them and I can get to the finish line at a good time.

“I feel like it’ll be a good race.”

Erin will also resume her track career at Division II Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She plans on running the 400 hurdles and the heptathlon.

“It’s kind of surreal,” Erin said about her final high-school meet. “We’ve just had all this time. And the younger girls, I’m gonna miss seeing them every single day.”

W -  Sully Anez and FF - Jaden Miller - DSC_0780.JPG

Willmar’s Sully Anez (right) catches up to Fergus Falls’ Jaden Miller (left) in the boys 1600-meter run at the Central Lakes Conference Championships on May 22, 2025, at Alexandria High School.

Sam Stuve / Alexandria Echo Press

Making his fourth and final trip to state is Willmar boys distance runner Sully Anez.

The senior and future South Dakota State University runner qualified for both the 1,600 and 3,200. He’s the fifth seed in both with a time of 4:18.64 in the 1,600 and 9:29.95 in the 3,200.

The top seed in the 1,600 is Totino-Grace’s Matthew Lindgren at 4:15.30. Owen Chapman of Orono is the top seed in the 3,200 at 9:19.61.

When looking at the improvements Anez has made through the years, Fossum keyed in on Anez’s discipline.

“There’s a large discipline with distance running that not a lot of people consider,” Fossum said. “So to me, his mental determination to continue to fight through every lap, every milestone, every mark, is what sets him apart from his sophomore year that I first saw him to his junior year to this year.”

Anez ran in both events last season, placing fifth in the 3,200 at 9:19.26 and sixth in the 1,600 at 4:18.92.

Willmar is bringing three field athletes to state.

Sophomore Maddison Molacek is the fifth seed in the girls’ discus with a qualifying toss of 125 feet, 4 inches. Stewartville’s Ella Theobald leads the pack with a qualifying throw of 145-10. Junior Mallory Beier is the 10th seed in the girls’ long jump at 17-1.75. Simley’s Ayisat Adebayo is the top seed at 17-11.5. Sophomore Briar Schuett is in the boys’ long jump as the 29th seed at 20-9.75. Becker’s Carter Reckelberg has the top seed at 24-8.75.

New London-Spicer junior Danica Pederson is tied for the two seed in the girls’ high jump. Her qualifying mark of 5-5 ties her with DeLaSalle’s Laila Moses. Mankato West’s Leila Pratt is the top seed at 5-5.25.

Kyla Vick also made state for NLS. She’s the 16th seed in the girls’ 3,200 at 11:27.07. Chisago Lakes’ Annika Hall is the top seed at 10:48.57.

Minnewaska senior Owen Meulebroeck reaches the final hurdle in the boys' 110-meter hurdles at the Essler Invitational on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at New London.

Minnewaska senior Owen Meulebroeck reaches the final hurdle in the boys’ 110-meter hurdles at the Essler Invitational on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at New London.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

The Class A championships kick off with prelims at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and the championships at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. A total of 26 area athletes in individual events and 11 relays will compete over two days.

Three defending state champions are back from last season.

Minnewaska has a pair of returning champions in senior Owen Meulebroeck and junior Jayda Kolstoe. Meulebroeck won the 300 hurdles last season at 39.86. He’s the fifth seed this time at 40.46. The top seed is Osakis’ Andrew Jones at 37.62. Meulebroeck is also the 16th seed in the boys’ 110 hurdles (15.84). United South Central’s Brant Blosser is the number one seed at 14.62. Kolstoe won the girls’ shot put at 43-9.25 last season as a sophomore. She comes into state this time as the 10th seed at 36-8. The top seed is La Crescent-Hokah’s Brooklyn Mitchell at 42-7.25. Kolstoe is also in the girls’ discus as the two seed (126-0). The top seed is Litchfield junior Chloe Kowalczyk at 129-5.

The other returning champ is Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd’s Brayson Boike. He won the boys’ triple jump last season at 45.3.25. He is the seventh seed ths time around at 43-2. Windom’s Job Ogeka is the top seed at 45-4. Boike is also tied for the third seed in the high jump (6-4) and the fourth seed in the long jump (21-11).

Other notes in Class A:

  • The girls’ hurdles is be chock-full of area contenders. The 100 hurdles has Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City’s Kenlie Blom (fourth, 15.21), Minnewaska’s Lauryn Ankeny (sixth, 15.32), Benson/Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg’s Ava Noble (eighth, 15.37) and Central Minnesota Christian’s Sophia Vogel (14th, 15.69). Noble (fourth, 44.79), Ankeny (fifth, 44.83) and Vogel (44.92) are also in the 300 hurdles. 
  • The girls’ discus also features four area athletes with Kowalczyk (first, 129-5), Kolstoe (second, 126-0), Montevideo’s Elizabeth O’Malley (11th, 119-0) and MACCRAY/Renville County West’s Emma Thein (16th, 114-6). 
  • Minnewaska has both of the top-seeded relays from the area. The Laker boys’ 4×100 with Tristan O’Neil, Kaiden Harvey, Carter Meyer and Asante Adams is seeded third (43.54). The girls’ 4×800 with Ella Larson, Maia Larson, Nori Song and Olivia Danielson is also a three seed (9:42.85).

100 Hurdles: Kenlie Blom, ACGC; Lauren Ankeny, Minnewaska; Ava Noble, Benson/KMS; Sophia Vogel, CMCS

4×100 Relay: CMCS; Litchfield; Benson/KMS; Minnewaska

300 Hurdles: Ava Noble, Benson/KMS; Lauryn Ankeny, Minnewaska; Sophia Vogel, CMCS

800: Brynn Gloege, LQPV/DB; Nori Song, Minnewaska

4×400 Relay: Benson/KMS; Minnewaska

Long Jump: Carly Tolifson, Benson/KMS

High Jump: Aubrey Polzin, Minnewaska; Carly Tolifson, Benson/KMS; Mamie Luft, Benson/KMS

Discus: Chloe Kowalczyk, Litchfield; Jayda Kolstoe, Minnewaska; Elizabeth O’Malley, Montevideo; Emma Thein, MACCRAY/RCW

4×800 Relay: Minnewaska; MACCRAY/RCW

1,600: Frida Barrera, MACCRAY/RCW

Pole Vault: Keala Carroll, Benson/KMS; Klaira Shackelford, YME

Triple Jump: Sophia Vogel, CMCS

Shot Put: Jayda Kolstoe, Minnewaska; Catherine Fank, BOLD/BLHS

110 Hurdles: Owen Meulebroeck, Minnewaska

4×100 Relay: Minnewaska; Benson/KMS

300 Hurdles: Owen Meulebroeck, Minnewaska

800: Adam VanBinsbergen, Montevideo

200: Asante Adams, Minnewaska; Jack Gross, BOLD/BLHS

3,200: Taylor Nelson, BBE; Ian Mills, Minnewaska

Triple Jump: Brayson Boike, LQPV/DB

Shot Put: Noah Dietel, Litchfield

High Jump: Brayson Boike, LQPV/DB

Long Jump: Brayson Boike, LQPV/D-B; Jack Gross, BOLD/BLHS

300 Hurdles: Erin Eilers, Willmar

800: Lauren Eilers, Willmar

Discus: Maddison Molacek, Willmar

Long Jump: Mallory Beier, Willmar

High Jump: Danica Pederson, NLS

1,600: Lauren Eilers, Willmar

1,600: Sully Anez, Willmar

3,200: Sully Anez, Willmar

Long Jump: Briar Schuett, Willmar





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Tritons Start North American Challenge 2-0

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LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball won both of its matches on Friday during day one of the North American Challenge. The two exhibition contests were played against Canadian schools Calgary and Alberta.
 
The Tritons beat Calgary 3-2 before immediately turning around and sweeping Alberta 3-0. Head coach Brad Rostratter largely used two different squads for the two contests. Only Ethan Hornyak and Tyler Stewart played in both matches, with both coming off the bench in the second exhibition.
 
Long Beach State is the host for all matches this weekend. The challenge resumes on Sunday at the Gold Mine on Long Beach State’s campus.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED – CALGARY
UC San Diego won set one with Calgary 25-17 before the Dinos took sets two and three by scores of 26-24 and 25-16. The Tritons then came back to win set four 25-23 and set five 15-12.
 
Luke Chandler led the Tritons with 18 kills, hitting .324 in the match. Aidan Powell added 13 kills and tied the team-high digs mark with eight. John Luers also had eight digs and powered the offense with 45 assists.
 
As a team the Tritons hit .259 and had 10 aces. Their nine total blocks helped hold Calgary to a .217 hitting percentage.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED – ALBERTA
The Alberta match saw the Tritons cruise to a 25-14 win in set one. Set two was much closer, with UC San Diego coming out on top after a 25-23 frame. Set three was then another comfortable scoreline as the Tritons won 25-12 to complete the sweep.
 
A stifling defensive effort saw the Tritons hold Alberta to a -0.111 hitting percentage. UC San Diego hit .271, adding six aces. Leo Pravednikov and Sebastiano Sani both registered solo blocks as the Tritons finished with eight total.
 
Sani was the team’s top offensive performer with 11 kills and a percentage of .368. Josh Ewert hit .263, adding eight kills and a team-high three aces. Cameron Wurl orchestrated the attack with 25 assists. He also had a team-high six digs.
 
UP NEXT
The Tritons will return to Long Beach State on Sunday to face the same two teams in the Tritons’ final exhibition matches ahead of the 2026 regular season. UC San Diego will first battle Alberta at 12:30 p.m. before squaring off with Calgary at 3:00 p.m. Live stats will be available HERE.
 
The Tritons open the regular season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7:00 p.m.
 
About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.
 



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All-Area volleyball teams announced for 2025 | Sports

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Introducing the All-Area volleyball teams from the Cannon Falls Beacon and Republican Eagle. 

Alec Hamilton, community editor for the Beacon, and Martin Schlegel, sports editor for the Eagle, cooperated to put together two teams from their respective schools: Cannon Falls, Randolph, Red Wing, Goodhue and Lake City.

The head coaches were able to nominate up to three players for Player of the Year in addition to their nominations for all-area. Statistics and accomplishments were taken into account when forming all-area teams. Coaches’ votes and overall honors were used in naming a Player of the Year.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Izzy Guetzlaff (Senior, Red Wing, middle blocker)

Big 9 All-Conference, MSHSL Academic Award.

2025 Stats: 201 kills, 71 digs, 15 ace serves, 65 blocks.

From head coach Sydney Boutelle: “Izzy Guetzlaff is a steady force and presence the Wingers rely on. Her consistent level of play with her kills and blocks spark momentum during their games. She is a player you look to when you need a side-out through moments of adversity and someone who carries the team effortlessly.”

Claire Meyers (Sophomore, Cannon Falls, outside hitter)

HVL All-Conference.

2025 Stats: 275 kills (led the team), 3.2 kills per set, 35.4% kill, 275 digs, 304 receptions (3.5 per set), 46 ace serves, 90.3% serving, 17 blocks.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “Claire is a gifted, athletic player who embraced a major new challenge this season and made an immediate impact. In her first two years on varsity she played as a middle attacker with limited back-row responsibility. This year, we moved her to the outside and into a middle-back defensive role. She welcomed the transition and quickly became a force at the net and a gritty, reliable defender in the backcourt. Claire stays calm under pressure and gives her best at all times.”







Izzie Reynolds.JPG

Senior Izzie Reynolds. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Annie Reinitz (Senior, Red Wing, setter)

Republican Eagle/Cannon Falls Beacon Player of the Year, Big 9 All-Conference, MSHSL Academic Award, two-year team captain.

2025 Stats: 804 assists, 60 kills, 201 digs, 11 ace serves, 2 blocks.

Career Stats: 1,698 assists, 166 kills, 495 digs, 38 ace serves.

From head coach Sydney Boutelle: “For the past couple years, Annie Reinitz has been the floor general of Winger Volleyball. With grit, intelligence, and unwavering confidence, she has led her team through every moment — leaving a legacy of leadership, maturity, and excellence.”

Izzie Reynolds (Senior, Randolph, left side outside hitter/right side setter)

Gopher All-Conference.

2025 Stats: 161 kills, 219 assists, 179 digs, 43 ace serves.

From head coach Karli O’Reilly: “Izzie is a student of the game. She is always watching film and looking for ways to grow as an athlete. She loves the game and she is very competitive.”







Libby Sampson.JPG

Sophomore Libby Sampson. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Libby Sampson (Sophomore, Cannon Falls, setter)

HVL All-Conference, surpassed 1,000 career assists (currently at 1,149), team captain.

2025 Stats: 653 assists, 74 kills (0.9 per set), 227 digs, 46 ace serves, 95.5% serving, 29 blocks.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “Libby embodies everything you want in a setter. She is knowledgeable, consistent and a calm, confident leader with beautifully skilled hands. She worked hard to build strong connections with all of her hitters so she could meet their individual needs and put them in the best position to score. Libby plays hard for her teammates, is always striving to improve and brings a smile to the court every time she steps on it.”

Katie Tipton (Junior, Cannon Falls, libero)

HVL All-Conference, 1,000+ career digs, sixth in the state in digs last season according to MaxPreps, team captain. 

2025 Stats: 508 digs (5.8 digs per set), 42 assists, 617 receptions (7.4 per set), 2.14 pass rating, 22 ace serves, 93.9% serving.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “Katie was arguably one of the strongest liberos in the state. She was instrumental in sustaining long rallies, covering a tremendous amount of court with confidence and consistency. Katie brings excellent ball control, an unwavering work ethic and a big heart to everything she does. She continues to sharpen her game and elevate her leadership—not only through her skills, but through her communication and defensive direction. Katie is someone you can always depend on.”







Katie Tipton.JPG

Junior Katie Tipton. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Shelby Vogel (Senior, Goodhue, middle blocker)

HVL All-Conference, team MVP, team captain.

2025 Stats: 292 kills, 41 assists, 311 digs, 39 ace serves, 57 blocks.

From head coach Amber Lohman: “Shelby is a great leader on and off the court. She not only led the team in kills, but also on digs and this is what makes her a great six-position player. She will be greatly missed next season.”

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Ashlee Barton (Junior, Goodhue, outside hitter)

HVL All-Conference Honorable Mention.

2025 Stats: 118 kills, 252 digs, 6 assists, 27 ace serves, 13 blocks.

From head coach Amber Lohman: “Ashlee showed great strength on the outside this year and has a great read on playing defense in the back row. I look forward to seeing her leadership out on the court next season.”

Hadley Cooreman (Senior, Randolph, middle front/right front)







Hadley Cooreman.JPG

Senior Hadley Cooreman. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Gopher All-Conference, Gopher Conference Sportsmanship Award, team captain.

2025 Stats: 122 kills, 25 digs, 44 blocks.

From head coach Karli O’Reilly: “Hadley leads her teammates with kindness and perseverance. She stands out for her attacks and blocks in the front row. She is loved by everyone and absolutely shined as a varsity captain.”

Alexa Guetzlaff (Junior, Red Wing, outside hitter)

Big 9 All-Conference.

2025 Stats: 239 kills, 251 digs, 20 ace serves, 3 blocks.

From head coach Sydney Boutelle: “Alexa Guetzlaff has proven herself as a true six-rotation weapon — explosive at the net and in the backrow. Her competitiveness fueled the Wingers’ determination all season long. Alexa stepped into a leadership role with confidence as a returner. As we look ahead, we know she will continue to lead with the same drive and excellence as the seniors this year.”







Falon Hepola.JPG

Senior Falon Hepola. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Alli Helmin (Senior, Lake City, middle blocker)

HVL All-Conference Honorable Mention.

2025 Stats: 198 kills, 27 blocks.

From head coach Katlyn Bade: “A dominant senior middle blocker whose presence at the net changed every match played.”

Falon Hepola (Senior, Cannon Falls, setter/opposite)

HVL All-Conference, Academic All-State, team captain.

2025 Stats: Injured most of the season. 138 assists (3.7 per set), 68 kills (1.8 per set), 79 digs, 24 ace serves, 92.9% serving.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “This young lady is a true game changer. Her leadership, energy and talent propelled the Bombers through four successful seasons, including a state championship her freshman year. More importantly, she helped her teammates find confidence in themselves. I have genuinely enjoyed coaching Falon and watching her grow into a talented, fun, and caring young athlete. She has left a lasting, positive impact on Cannon Falls High School that extends far beyond her time on the volleyball court.”

Mackenzie Murray (Junior, Randolph, libero)







Mackenzie Murray.JPG

Junior Mackenzie Murray. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Gopher All-Conference Honorable Mention.

2025 Stats: 44 assists and 218 digs. 

From head coach Karli O’Reilly: “Mackenzie is hardworking and coachable. She is quick on her feet and dependable in the back row. She is responsible, reliable and well-liked by her teammates.”

Hazel Volkmann (Junior, Goodhue, setter)

2025 Stats: 477 assists, 5 kills, 191 digs, 39 ace serves.

From head coach Amber Lohman: “Hazel stepped up with confidence this year as one of the setters in our 6-2 offence. She worked hard at making plays happen and led the team in set assists. I look forward to her confidence and leadership on the court next season.”



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Blue Bell/TSWA Class 4A All-State Volleyball – The Gilmer Mirror

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LONGVIEW – Division I state champion Decatur landed the two top honors in voting for the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Volleyball Team for the 2025 season.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Stormi Snider, Decatur

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ava Green, Decatur
FIRST TEAM

Middle blockers: Keoni Williams, Eagle Mountain; Emma Pollard, Gatesville; Rebecca Lucksinger, Bellville

Outside hitters: Ava Green, Decatur; Elizabeth Corbitt, Spring Hill; Paisley Pavliska, La Vernia

Setter: Molly Aubert, Eagle Mountain

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Lexi Nichols, Eagle Mountain
SECOND TEAM

Middle blockers: Shaelyn Ward, Aubrey; Alyssa Potts, Lindale; Harper Smith, Decatur

Outside hitters: Libby Tedder, Springtown; Allegra Foreman, Stephenville; Avery Keck, La Vernia

Setter: Grace Fortune, Decatur

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Hannah Forshee, Sweeny
THIRD TEAM

Middle blockers: Sayler Peck, Decatur; Brooklyn Brannen, Bullard; Giselle Webster, Kilgore

Outside hitters: Savannah Irwin, Spring Hill; Brooke Lacewell, Eagle Mountain; Belle Seibert, Sweeny

Setter: Bailey Hampton, Aubrey

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Kaylee Londeau, Spring Hill
HONORABLE MENTION

Middle blockers: Janey Baker, China Spring; Addison Kramer, Lorena; Makenna Hertless, Floresville; Brooke Gisell, Lindale; Alli Bitter, Carthage; Elsie Law, Salado; Jadyn Lindgren, CC Calallen; Maggie Thompson, Sulphur Springs; Bella Elliott, Liberty; Jessa Cox, Cuero; Austyn Flowers, Seminole

Outside hitters: Charlee Mack, Hillsboro; Meredith Muramoto, China Spring; Julia Guidry, Bullard; Trinity Laney, Wimberley; Peighton Purser, Farmersville; Lilli Sandoval, Wimberley; Mazzy Johnson, Salado; Preslee Hardy, Sulphur Springs; Jordan Flodder, Van; Kayla White, Van; Addison Alexander, Canton; Kalia Andres, Bullard; Ella Hutchens, Lindale; Rainey Johnson, Sulphur Springs; Bryleigh Mayhan, Pine Tree

Setter: Carly Chadwick, Pine Tree; Elle Litchenburg, Kilgore; Caroline Cockerham, Carthage; Julia Garrick, Bullard; Caitlyn Gerick, China Spring; Stevie-Kate LaDuque, Stephenville; Charli Niu, Salado; Grace Martinez, CC Calallen; Harper Hodges, Sulphur Springs; Macy Luster, Lindale

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Emma Conley, Aubrey; Peyton Taylor, Sulphur Springs; Hope Escobar, Decatur; Brooklyn Quintanilla, Springtown; Karis Carpenter, La Vernia; Laney Alexander, Carthage



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Blue Bell/TSWA Class 3A All-State Volleyball – The Gilmer Mirror

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LONGVIEW – Division 1 champion Goliad and Division II champ Boyd took top honors in voting for the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State Volleyball Team for the 2025 season.

The state champs shared Coach of the Year and Player of the Year honors.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: (Tie) Jess Odem, Goliad; Clark Oberle, Boyd

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: (Tie) Addy Delgado, Boyd; Addison Yendry, Goliad
FIRST TEAM

Middle blockers: Natalie Ceniceros, Denver City; Addison Yendry, Goliad; Belle Nichter, Boyd

Outside hitters: Berklee Billington, Bushland; Addy Delgado, Boyd; Kamdyn Scott, Tatum

Setter: Isabel Sanchez, Goliad

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Ava Permenter, Bushland

SECOND TEAM

Middle blockers: Shiloh Sluder, Troup; Abby Little, Bells; Maevyn Wunsch, Goliad

Outside hitters: Madeline Holder, East Bernard; LeAnn Wise, Stockdale; Aubree Bunker, Friona

Setter: Taydem Barker, Tatum

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Bryleigh Wallace, Boyd

THIRD TEAM

Middle blockers: Hannah Haffner, West Rusk; Taliyah Davenport, Clifton; London Helm, Grandview

Outside hitters: Raely Sebek, Huntington; Laynee Adams, Bushland; Kennedy Simon, Ponder

Setter: Cami McIntire, Boyd

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Cadence Negron, Troy

HONORABLE MENTION

Middle blockers: Brianna Tomerlin, Stockdale; Shae Collier, Troy; Madison Truitt, Eustace; Gaby Martinez, New Diana; Channing Barber, Hooks; Heidi Wheaton, Chisum; Madilynn Straight, Troy; Kameryn Thompson, Teague; Kyndal Selgelid, Rockdale; Morgan Adair, Peaster; Savannah Brackeen, Central Heights; Kamyah Lacy, West Rusk

Outside hitters: Kammi Maddox, Dalhart; Kaysen Foster, Tatum; Brystel Wise, Clifton; Addison Martin, Clifton; Mahayla McMahon, Mineola; Hannah Slater, Groesbeck; Kailyn Keeling, Lexington; Skylar Workman, Troy; Andee Bridges, White Oak; Harper Gerik, Columbus; Sophi Wallek, Goliad; Ella Grochoske, West

Setter: Myah Lichenberger, London; Madison Otter, Clifton; Zoe Dishman, Ponder; Ava Flowers, Leonard

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Karolynn Youngblood, Goliad; Caylie Neisner, Columbus

 



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Demon Deacons Land Amina N’Diaye, Add to Core of Hitters

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest volleyball team and head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer announced the signing of Amina N’Diaye on Saturday.

Having recently completed her first collegiate season at the University of Miami, N’Diaye will have three years of eligibility remaining upon joining the Demon Deacons’ roster for the 2026-27 school year. A native of Orlando, Fla., N’Diaye competes at the outside hitter position.

N’Diaye is Wake Forest’s third addition this offseason, as the program inked Andrea Roman and Catherine Burke during the month of December.

Amina N’Diaye | 6-1 | Outside Hitter | Orlando, Fla. | University of Miami

As a freshman for the nationally-ranked Hurricanes this past fall campaign, N’Diaye competed in 27 matches and 85 total sets played. She produced 139 kills (third on the roster), 78 digs and 31 blocks for the season. In seven different performances, N’Diaye tallied eight or more kills, as she also had multiple blocks 10 times. The hitter recorded double figures in kills on three occasions, including a season-high 12 versus Virginia Tech on Oct. 24. She impressed with a season-best four blocks on the road at then-No. 7 Louisville (Nov. 16). N’Diaye was also solid on the serving end, recording 24 service aces for the year with three showings of three-plus.

N’Diaye helped Miami wrap the season with an appearance in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament before earning a final national ranking of No. 16 by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top-25 Coaches Poll.

During her high school days, N’Diaye was a volleyball standout at Lake Brantley High School, north of Orlando. She totaled over 1,000 kills en route to becoming the Patriots’ all-time leader in that area. N’Diaye was also named a two-time AAU All-American and participant of the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) for four straight years from 2020-24.

Personal

Amina is the daughter of Nicole Delahoussaye and Mamadou N’Diaye, the latter being a retired NBA player and current assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at the University of Cincinnati. Amina also has two siblings – Adam and Laila.

From Coach Hulsmeyer

“I’m so happy about the chance to have Amina join us at Wake Forest. She has been a six-rotation outside who already has ACC experience in her first season at Miami recently. I have watched her develop over the last several years and believe in her potential and ability.”

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Utah State announces Keith Smith as new volleyball coach | Sports

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Utah State announced the hire of TCU assistant coach and Team USA developement coach Keith Smith its next head coach of women’s volleyball Saturday morning. After losing the highly successful Rob Neilson to BYU, the Aggies will turn to Smith to carry on the dominance of their volleyball program that has won five combined regular season and conference tournament titles and made four NCAA Tournament appearances since 2021.

“I am grateful to Cameron Walker and the search committee for trusting me with the opportunity to continue Utah State volleyball’s rich history,” said Smith in a USU press release. “My goal is not to rebuild the program, but to retool it for long-term, sustainable success that keeps it on an upward trajectory.”

Smith has not served as a head coach at the college or national team level, though he brings a solid resume of recruiting, developement and coaching across his roles as an assistant coach with four different collegiate women’s volleyball programs and the USA National Development Program. At each of his stops across college teams, those programs had great success including 20+ win seasons, record recuiting classes, historic upsets and apperances (and wins) in the NCAA Tournament.

Last year, Smith was hired as an assistant coach at TCU and in what was ultimately his lone year with the program, he helped the Horned Frogs rise to its highest-ever rank in the American Volleyball Coaches Assotiation Poll, reaching No. 9 in the rankings. TCU also made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament  as a six seed and won its first-round game against Stephen F. Austin before falling to eventual NCAA-champion Texas A&M in the second round. Prior to his tenure at TCU, Smith spent three seasons at Auburn. In 2022, Smith helped the team to a 22-win season, the program’s most wins since 1998 and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, just the second in program history at the time for the Tigers.

Smith’s time at Auburn and TCU were both with the women’s volleyball team, though his stop before that was with his alma mater, the Grand Canyon men’s volleyball team. He served as a volunteer assistant coach in 2016 and then as a full-time assistant from 2018-21 and cut his teeth as a top-flight recruiter, highlighted by the team’s 2021 recruiting class. Grand Canyon had the eighth-best recruiting class in the nation, which included signing 10 of the top 50 recruits. Thanks to that accomplishment, he received an AVCA 30 Under 30 recognition as one of the best coaches nationally under the age of 30.

Splitting his time with Grand Canyon was a one-year stint at Providence with its women’s volleyball team. In that lone season, Smith helped the team to an 11-game win streak to start the 2017 campaign and also record the team’s first winning record in 10 years.

“I’m excited to welcome Keith to Utah State as our new head volleyball coach,” said Utah State Athletics Director Cam Walker in the press release. “He’s a proven recruiter with a strong track record of developing players. From the start of the hiring process, his professionalism and expertise were evident, and his attributes and vision aligned with those of our volleyball student-athletes, making him the ideal choice to advance Utah State volleyball. His background with USA Volleyball will be invaluable as the program works to reach the next level.”

Keith Smith Coaching History

  • TCU Women’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2025
  • Auburn Women’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2022-24
  • Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2018-21
  • Providence Women’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2017
  • Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball (Volunteer Ast. Coach) – 2016
  • USA National Development Program – 2019-2025



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