In 2025, the Harrisburg Tigers look to continue their winning ways. 

Last season, Harrisburg became the first Class AA volleyball program to win three straight state championships, pushing its winning streak to 78 consecutive victories. 

The Tigers began the 2025 campaign as the No. 1-ranked team in the South Dakota Prep Media Volleyball Poll, receiving all nine first-place votes and 45 total points. 

Sioux Falls Washington and Sioux Falls O’Gorman were second and third, respectively. Sioux Falls Jefferson and Brandon Valley round out the top-five teams. 

Storylines to watch

How long will Harrisburg’s winning streak last?: The Tigers’ 78-match winning streak will be the talk of Class AA volleyball this season. Harrisburg has completed back-to-back 31-0 seasons, and its last defeat was against Western Christian (Iowa) on Oct. 4, 2022. Harrisburg will be challenged this season by Class AA foes, Class A power Sioux Falls Christian, Western Christian, Omaha Skutt Catholic (Nebraska) and at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Tigers began the season as the country’s 14th-ranked team, according to MaxPreps.com. 

Who will challenge the Tigers?: Harrisburg will undoubtedly get everyone’s best shot, with each team looking to topple the Tigers. Class AA foes Washington, O’Gorman, Jefferson and Brandon Valley round out the top-five teams in the preseason poll, and will each take their swings at the Tigers this season. Sioux Falls Washington has finished runner-up to Harrisburg the past two seasons, and will face the Tigers on Sept. 23 in Harrisburg. 

Players to watch 

Note: These players were all-state selections last season. 

Gabi Zachariasen, Harrisburg: A 6-foot senior outside hitter, Zachariasen was a first-team all-stater last season for the state champs. She totaled 403 kills, 32 aces, 32 blocks and 221 digs, while logging a .312 hitting percentage. Zachariasen, who was the South Dakota Gatorade volleyball player of the year, has verbally committed to play at the University of South Dakota.

Abby Gruber, Brandon Valley: A 5-foot-10 senior middle/outside hitter, Grubert was a second-team all-state selection last season, totaling 300 kills and 58 blocks. 

Josalyn Samuels, Harrisburg: A 6-foot-2 sophomore setter, Samuels was a second-team all-state selection in 2024. She totaled 870 assists, 134 digs, 56 aces, 30 blocks and 79 kills. 

Lauryn Burckhard, Aberdeen Central: A 6-foot-1 junior outside hitter, Burckhard was a second-team all-stater last season. She totaled 304 kills, 31 aces and 125 digs. Burckhard has verbally committed to play college basketball at South Dakota State University.