Editor’s Note: 605 Sports will unveil team preview capsules on all volleyball classes leading up to the 2022 season openers. The information provided was submitted by coaches in response to an email sent by 605 Sports. 

By Jacob Wuertz and Ryan Deal 

605 Sports

Since 2010, Sioux Falls Christian has hoisted 10 Class A state volleyball championships. 

The Chargers claimed their fifth consecutive Class A state title last season and was tabbed as the No. 1 team in the preseason poll. Sioux Falls Christian received 12 of the 13 first-place votes to earn the No. 1 spot. 

Dakota Valley, another perennial Class A power, checked in at No. 2 in the poll and received the other first-place vote. Wagner, Garretson and Rapid City Christian rounded out the top-five teams in the poll. 

Team capsules (listed in alphabetical order): 

Bon Homme

Coach: Paula Bures

Last year’s record: 9-21

Key returnees: Olivia Bures, junior; Jaden Kortan, senior; Erin Heusinkveld, junior; Jenna Duffek, senior.

Top newcomers: Taycee Ranek, freshman. 

Outlook: Bon Homme looks to improve from a nine-win season a year ago. The Cavaliers return every player from last season, including all-conference selections Olivia Bures and Erin Heusinkveld. Second year head coach Paula Bures stated, “We return everyone from last year and look to add team chemistry to the experience gained last season. Expecting big numbers from outside hitter Olivia Bures and middle hitter Erin Heusinkveld. We look to capitalize on the stoic senior leadership of senior setter, Jaden Kortan.”

Dell Rapids

Coach: Erica Fersdahl

Last year’s record: 16-14

Key returnees: Emma Molskness, senior; Abigail Greenhoff, senior; Sophi Randall, sophomore; Madelynn Henry, 8th grade; Lauryn Kloth, junior; Kylee Fiddelke, junior; Lexi Ingalls, junior; Clara Justice, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Alaina Wolff, 8th grade; Cate Traill, freshman.

Outlook: Dell Rapids brings back several returning players and looks to make a run during the postseason. The Quarriers will be led by two-time all-conference performer Sophi Randall, as well as seniors Emma Molskness and Abigail Greenhoff. “We play in an extremely tough conference and region,” Dell Rapids coach Erica Fersdahl said. “As such, we look to improve each day in practice and match, so we are poised to make a postseason run come November.”

Elkton-Lake Benton

Coach: Melissa Erickson

Last year’s record: 24-12 (5th place finish at Class A state tournament)

Key returnees: Rachael Krog, senior; Kailyn Drietz, senior; Kayla Goertz, senior; Kinsley Krog, senior; Emily Robbins, senior; Tevan Erickson, junior; Kylie Ramlo, junior; Aubree Bales, junior.

Top newcomers: Andrea Renkly, sophomore; Ella Crofutt, junior; Malayna Hemmen, junior.

Outlook: The Lady Elks return all but one player from last season’s Class A consolation championship team. Elkton-Lake Benton looks to use the experience to make a return trip to the state tournament. Senior Rachael Krog is a three-time all-conference selection and has recorded more than 1,000 career digs, while Kailyn Drietz is a two-time all-conference selection. Despite a consolation championship last season, coach Melissa Erickson says the Lady Elks will “look to achieve even more in the 2022 season.”  

Estelline/Hendricks

Coach: Denae Bass

Key returnees: Maddy Ebbers, senior; Danielle Hawley, senior; Heidi Nicola, senior; Julie Williams, senior; Kenzy Beare, junior; Sadie Johnson, junior; Claire Dagel, junior; Brooke Johnson, sophomore.

Outlook: Estelline/Hendricks makes the jump up to Class A after being a regular in Class B for many years. The Redhawks return several key contributors from last season that are looking to make an impact on the court. Estelline/Hendricks will be relying on four year starters Kenzy Beare and Sadie Johnson to provide experience and leadership on the court. Seniors Maddy Ebbers, Danielle Hawley, Heidi Nicola, and Julie Williams will provide depth and experience. Head Coach Denae Bass looked forward to the season, stating, “With a lot of varsity experience we look to have a successful season. Having key players back and ready to compete is going to help with being competitive. These girls are eager to learn, work hard, and want to be successful. These qualities will show a huge part in our wins and losses for the season. It is going to be a great year to adjust our play style and surprise some teams with our ability to compete.”

Flandreau

Coach: Julia Fargen

Last year’s record: 6-21

Key returnees: Claire Sheppard, junior; Abby Schoeberl, junior; Lily Klein, junior; Lizzie Pavlis, junior; Sadie Iott, sophomore. 

Outlook: The Fliers look to improve on their six-win campaign and have a host of underclassmen to do it. Flandreau has seven juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen on its roster. The Fliers will be paced by Big East Conference performers Claire Sheppard, Abby Schoeberl and Lily Klein. “This group has been putting in a ton of work going into the season and are eager to make a name for themselves,” Flandreau coach Julia Fargen said. “I’m excited for them to get to show their community and state what Flandreau volleyball will look like this season.”

Hamlin

Coach: Ashley Heinrich

Last year’s record: 27-8 (7th place finish at Class A state tournament)

Key returnees: Ally Abraham, senior; Kami Wadsworth, senior; Gracelyn Leiseth, senior; Ava Prouty, senior; Addison Neuendorf, freshman; Emily Everson, junior.

Top newcomers: Marissa Bawdon, junior; Grace Opdahl, junior.

Outlook: Hamlin returns key players from a team that finished seventh place at the Class A state tournament. The Chargers will be led by four year starters Ally Abraham (861 career kills, 37.8% kill percentage, .226 hitting percentage, 146 career blocks, 122 aces) and Kami Wadsworth (838 career assists, 712 career digs, 404 career kills, 127 career blocks, 95 career aces), both of whom earned all-conference honors, while Abraham was an all-tournament selection. Gracelyn Leiseth (291 career kills, 125 career blocks) and Ava Prouty (252 career digs) also bring back experience, while freshman Addison Neuendorf started as an eighth grader for the Chargers. Coach Ashley Heinrich noted that “one of the things that has always made us a hard team to beat, is the fact that each girl plays every point like it's the last one. We pursue balls, and don’t let a lot hit the floor.”

Hanson

Coach: Yolanda Price

Last year’s record: 6-21

Key returnees: Annalyse Weber, senior; Jalyn Kampshoff, senior; Kate Haiar, senior; Skylar Holm, senior; Erin Dewald, senior; Avery Moschell, junior; Kiana Berg, sophomore; Kylie Haiar, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Jersey Kampshoff, sophomore; Cadence Jarding, sophomore; Taziah Hawkins, freshman; Claire Bridge, freshman. 

Outlook: Hanson looks to get back to their winning ways in 2022 after only six wins last season. The Beavers return several seniors, as well as some underclassmen, to attempt to put together a strong season. Coach Yolanda Price said, “We have quite a few returners with experience and some eager underclassmen to vie for some spots. Hoping the experience and leadership of the upperclassmen will help mold those eager to get on the court. Looking forward to a great season.”

Lennox

Coach: Tammy Adney

Last year’s record: 10-19

Key returnees: Dani Highum, junior; Carli Kuyper, junior; Kyah Jackson, senior.

Top newcomers: Ella Grenges, sophomore.

Outlook: Lennox returns all but one player from last season and will have plenty of experience to excel this season. The Orioles return Dakota XII all-conference selections Dani Highum and Carli Kuyper, along with senior Kyah Jackson. Lennox will also look to players such as Ella Grenges to add depth to the team. Orioles coach Tammy Adney said, “We only lost one player to graduation and will return a lot of experience. I look forward to building on that experience and continue to improve throughout the season.”

Madison

Coach: Jill Kratovil

Last year’s record: 18-9

Key returnees: Audrey Nelson, junior; Amanda Vacanti, junior; Maycee Theede, senior; Callie McDermott, junior; Karley Lurz, junior; Megan Schouwenburg, senior.

Top newcomers: Lydia Nelson, freshman; Ellie Osthus, sophomore; Kate Johnson, sophomore; Ella Peterreins, junior; Cadence Zens, junior; Reese Wilt, junior.

Outlook: Madison returns several underclassmen that are able to step up into bigger roles this season. The Bulldogs will rely on seniors Maycee Theede and Megan Schouwenburg as well as juniors Audrey Nelson, Amanda Vacanti, Callie McDermott, and Karley Lurz to provide experience and leadership on the court this season. Madison coach Jill Kratovil noted, “Very excited for the season to get underway. We have a lot of returning players who are ready to step up and fill positions.”

McCook Central/Montrose

Coach: Kim Vander Woude

Last year’s record: 13-13

Key returnees: Brianna Even, senior; Aubree Kranz, senior; Michaela McCormick, senior; Tayah McGregor, senior; Brandy Pulse, senior; Kayla Vander Woude, junior.

Top newcomers: Aubyn Schmidt, senior; Anna Reiffenberger, senior; Abby Wagner, junior; Maddy Lauck, sophomore.

Outlook: McCook Central/Montrose returns several key players who will provide experience for a team that is looking to return to the state tournament for the first time since 2019. The Fighting Cougars will be led by Brianna Even, who achieved 1,000 set assists last season. Also contributing will be seniors Aubree Kranz, Michaela McCormick, Tayah McGregor, Brandy Pulse, and junior Kayla Vander Woude. MCM will be digging deep into their bench and will have plenty of depth throughout the season. Head Coach Kim Vander Woude noted, “We are looking forward to the season. We have many returning players that plan on making a big impact on the court.”

Milbank

Coach: Nancy Hoeke

Last year’s record: 13-18

Key returnees: Rachel Schulte, junior; Addisyn Krause, sophomore; Hallie Schulte, senior.

Outlook: Milbank returns eight starters and 11 letterwinners and will look to rely on the returning experience to improve their record this season. The Bulldogs will count on outside hitter Rachel Schulte (89% server, 24 aces, 267 kills, 38 blocks, 289 digs), setter Addisyn Krause (93% server, 49 aces, 429 assists, 278 digs), and libero Hallie Schulte (90% server, 29 aces, 500 digs) to lead the team on the court. Head Coach Nancy Hoeke said there is potential for Milbank “to be a solid volleyball team” this season, and likes to experience her team has coming back. Hoeke also noted, “We continue to climb the ladder to be a contender in our conference and work to have a better than .500 season. We will look for the combination of players that are willing to play the game hard to compete physically and mentally. We ended last season playing at a higher level, but it took time to believe in ourselves. The girls and coaches have to work to raise our game to the next level and believe in ourselves earlier in the season so that we can win the tough matches.”

Mobridge-Pollock

Coach: Rose Henderson

Last year’s record: 24-9 (lost to Hamlin in SoDak 16, 3-0)

Key returnees: Emma Keller, senior; Mariah Goehring, senior; Reagan Weisbeck, junior; Kay Kemnitz, junior.

Top newcomers: Ryli Thompson, junior; Raelyn Aberle, sophomore; Charley Henderson, sophomore; Sophia Overland, sophomore; Grace Overland, sophomore. 

Outlook: The Tigers look to return to the SoDak 16 and break through to their first state tournament appearance since 2016. Mobridge-Pollock returns several key players to make a run back to the SoDak 16. The Tigers will be led by Emma Keller (296 set assists, 64 aces, 115 kills, Big Dakota all-conference), Mariah Goehring (45 aces, 121 kills, 97 digs), Reagan Weisbeck (133 digs), and Katy Kemnitz (143 set assists, 43 aces, 107 digs). Coach Rose Henderson stated, “This year should be a great year for us. We have worked hard this summer in the weight room and in the gym getting stronger and building great team chemistry. We have grown in our defensive play as well as getting smarter and stronger with our offense.”

Platte-Geddes

Coach: Melissa Johnson

Last year’s record: 34-5 (3rd place finish at Class B state tournament)

Key returnees: Avery DeVries, senior; Regan Hoffman, senior; Karly VanDerWerff, junior; Cadence Van Zee, junior; Baleigh Nachtigal, junior; Hadley Hanson, junior; Karsen Sondgeroth, junior; Emerson Ringling, junior; Halle Sprik, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Addison DeVries, sophomore; Sydney Neuman, sophomore; Natalie Severson, senior.

Outlook: Platte-Geddes returns nine letterwinners from a third place finish at the Class B state tournament last season. The Black Panthers return a pair of 5’10” juniors in Karly VanDerWerff and Cadence Van Zee, along with seniors Avery DeVries and Regan Hoffman. Coach Melissa Johnson said, “We did move up to Class A but we do have many Class A teams on our schedule and can compete well against them. We are looking forward to the challenge Class A will bring.”

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket

Coach: Rick Olsen

Last year’s record: 22-7

Key returnees: Ellie Evans, senior; Kennadie Ochsner, junior; Jeslynn Moody, senior; Tristan Jensen, senior (out for season - ACL); Bailey Feistner, senior; Kenlie Fridley, senior; Kailynn Eggleston, senior; Bella Fry, senior; Kamryn Ochsner, junior.

Top newcomers: Jaycee Baruth, junior; Kara Wormstadt, junior; Aubrey Senska, junior; McKenzie Schley, sophomore.

Outlook: Sanborn Central/Woonsocket must replace several starters from last season, but return eight letterwinners who can fill in key positions. The Blackhawks will rely on seniors such as Ellie Evans, Jeslynn Moody, Bailey Feistner, Kenlie Fridley, Kailynn Eggleston, and Bella Fry to lead the team on the court. However, SCW will be without senior Tristan Jensen, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Head coach Rick Olsen stated, “We lost five starters from last year’s team. Therefore, I feel that as we gain experience during the season that we should have another successful season. The team is working hard and looking forward to improving with each match.”

Stanley County

Coach: Stephanie Huber

Last year’s record: 12-14

Key returnees: Olivia Chase, senior; Cadence Hand, junior; Kori Gabriel, senior.

Top newcomers: Brylee Kafka, sophomore; Grace Sargent, senior; Alejandra Juarez, senior.

Outlook: Stanley County looks to improve from their twelve-win season last year. The Buffaloes return three of their top players in Olivia Chase (502 assists, 395 digs), Cadence Hand (148 kills), and Kori Gabriel (21 blocks) to aid in their efforts. Second year head coach Stepahnie Huber said, “We have a lot of upcoming talent that we are ready to showcase this upcoming season. Losing four starters, we knew we had big shoes to fill, but the girls have stepped up this summer and put in the work in order to do just that.”

Wagner

Coach: Stacey Knebel

Last year’s record: 28-8 (4th place finish at Class A state tournament)

Key returnees: Emma Yost, senior; Avari Bruguier, senior; Shalayne Nagel, senior; Macy Koupal, junior; Madi Knebel, junior; Kya Kjeldgaard, junior; Shona Kocer, junior.

Top newcomers: Aubrey Medricky, junior; Lydia Yost, sophomore; Ashlyn Koupal, freshman.