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South Dakota State University Athletics
JACKRABBIT VOLLEYBALL ADDS FOUR
11/11/2020 2:27:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
South Dakota State women's volleyball head coach Dan Georgalas announced four new additions as part of Wednesday's National Signing Day. The four freshmen will be eligible to play for the Jackrabbits next season.
"It's a very exciting time for our coaching staff to announce our first recruiting class here at SDSU," Georgalas expressed. "We've put together a talented, athletic, and complimentary group that I'm confident will all have successful careers here in Brookings. Further, it should be noted that these student-athletes are exemplary individuals off-the-court. I know the Jackrabbit fan base will enjoy watching these young women compete and develop within our program."
Faith Saewert | 5-8 | L/DS | Woodbury, Minn. | East Ridge High School | Northern Lights Volleyball Club
Faith Saewert was named an AAU All-American in 2017 after she helped Northern Lights Volleyball Club to win the AAU National Championship. She has been a member of the Northern Lights VBC for seven years and recorded 563 digs and 89 service aces for the team last season. Saewert helped East Ridge High School to win the Conference Championship in 2018 and 2019. She has made the honor roll from 2017-2020 and is a three-time All-Academic honoree.
"Faith is a very talented player who we are excited to see join our group of defensive specialists. She's a strong athlete with a calm platform and has a defensive intensity that will fit our team culture well," Georgalas said. "She joins a position group with great role models to look up to, so we know her development in our gym is going to be tremendous. Faith has played a high level of club volleyball for a long time so we're certain she'll arrive in Brookings confident and ready for the transition to the speed of the Division I game."
Ella Thompson | 6-1 | MB | Lakeville, Minn. | Lakeville North High School | Northern Lights Volleyball Club
Ella Thompson aided in Lakeville North finishing fifth at the Minnesota State Volleyball Tournament in 2019. In a match against Eagan, Thompson hit .600 and recorded a team-high in blocks. The Lakeville, Minn. native has been a member of the Northern Lights Volleyball Club for five years. She is the sister of current volleyball sophomore Tori Thompson. Thompson plans to major in early childhood education.
"Ella has a very terminal arm that will have a lot of success scoring in the collegiate game," Georgalas said. "As a middle blocker, her lateral quickness is terrific, and she'll add another level of athleticism and physicality to our blocking. Ella's energy, enthusiasm, and passion for her teammates will be a welcomed influence in our gym and our staff knows that her competitive drive will improve our overall team performance."
Jasmine Weidemann | 5-9 | S | Lakeville, Minn. | Lakeville South High School | M1 Volleyball Club
Jasmine Weidemann is a four-year letter winner at Lakeville South High School, where her team has placed third in the Class AAA Minnesota State Volleyball Tournament twice. She recorded over 1,000 assists during the 2018 season. Weidemann has been involved with the USA Volleyball High Performance team for five years and is a two-time All-Tournament selection at the AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship. Weidemann plans to major in nursing. She will enroll at SDSU this coming spring semester, but will be eligible to compete in the fall of 2021.
"Jasmine's vision and athleticism are some of her biggest strengths as a setter. Her ability to move around the court quickly allows her to jump set as much as possible and she's a fun player to watch," Georgalas said. "In addition, she has a great ability for connecting with her middles, has a fiery competitor spirit, and wants the best for Jackrabbit Volleyball. Enrolling in January will be a huge advantage for her as she prepares for college competition."
Elyse Winter | 6-1 | OH | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Xavier High School | Six Pack Volleyball Club
As a four-year letter winner, Elyse Winter is a 2019 and 2020 All-Mississippi Valley Conference First Team selection and was also named to the 2020 All-Metro First Team and 2019 All-State Second Team. She has recorded over 250 blocks while averaging a .288 hitting efficiency throughout her high school career. Winter helped her team qualify for the Iowa State Volleyball Tournament during the 2019 season. Most recently, Winter and her team captured the Iowa 4A State Championship title, and she was named to the All-Tournament Team. Winter was selected to play in the 2020 Volleyball Senior All Star Game.
"Elyse's length and athleticism will be a fantastic addition to our front line. She has the ability to play on both pins, play 6 rotations, and will be a physical blocking presence at the net," Georgalas expressed. "Coming off an Iowa 4A State Championship, we are excited for Elyse to bring a winning expectation to our program. Elyse will be another positive addition to our team culture, and we are looking forward to her developing into a wonderful ambassador for our university."
South Dakota State opens its 2021 spring season Jan. 31 vs. Western Illinois at Frost Arena.
"It's a very exciting time for our coaching staff to announce our first recruiting class here at SDSU," Georgalas expressed. "We've put together a talented, athletic, and complimentary group that I'm confident will all have successful careers here in Brookings. Further, it should be noted that these student-athletes are exemplary individuals off-the-court. I know the Jackrabbit fan base will enjoy watching these young women compete and develop within our program."
Faith Saewert | 5-8 | L/DS | Woodbury, Minn. | East Ridge High School | Northern Lights Volleyball Club
Faith Saewert was named an AAU All-American in 2017 after she helped Northern Lights Volleyball Club to win the AAU National Championship. She has been a member of the Northern Lights VBC for seven years and recorded 563 digs and 89 service aces for the team last season. Saewert helped East Ridge High School to win the Conference Championship in 2018 and 2019. She has made the honor roll from 2017-2020 and is a three-time All-Academic honoree.
"Faith is a very talented player who we are excited to see join our group of defensive specialists. She's a strong athlete with a calm platform and has a defensive intensity that will fit our team culture well," Georgalas said. "She joins a position group with great role models to look up to, so we know her development in our gym is going to be tremendous. Faith has played a high level of club volleyball for a long time so we're certain she'll arrive in Brookings confident and ready for the transition to the speed of the Division I game."
We are excited to bring Defensive Specialist, Faith Saewert, in for the Fall of 2021 season. We are thrilled for you to be a Jackrabbit! ?? #GoJacks P3JacksVB pic.twitter.com/j5W3o8b0jy
— Jackrabbit Volleyball (@GoJacksVB) November 11, 2020
Ella Thompson | 6-1 | MB | Lakeville, Minn. | Lakeville North High School | Northern Lights Volleyball Club
Ella Thompson aided in Lakeville North finishing fifth at the Minnesota State Volleyball Tournament in 2019. In a match against Eagan, Thompson hit .600 and recorded a team-high in blocks. The Lakeville, Minn. native has been a member of the Northern Lights Volleyball Club for five years. She is the sister of current volleyball sophomore Tori Thompson. Thompson plans to major in early childhood education.
"Ella has a very terminal arm that will have a lot of success scoring in the collegiate game," Georgalas said. "As a middle blocker, her lateral quickness is terrific, and she'll add another level of athleticism and physicality to our blocking. Ella's energy, enthusiasm, and passion for her teammates will be a welcomed influence in our gym and our staff knows that her competitive drive will improve our overall team performance."
We would like to introduce Ella Thompson, middle blocker from Lakeville, MN! We're so excited for you to join us! ?? #GoJacks #P3JacksVB pic.twitter.com/xUv2aqw2Y3
— Jackrabbit Volleyball (@GoJacksVB) November 11, 2020
Jasmine Weidemann | 5-9 | S | Lakeville, Minn. | Lakeville South High School | M1 Volleyball Club
Jasmine Weidemann is a four-year letter winner at Lakeville South High School, where her team has placed third in the Class AAA Minnesota State Volleyball Tournament twice. She recorded over 1,000 assists during the 2018 season. Weidemann has been involved with the USA Volleyball High Performance team for five years and is a two-time All-Tournament selection at the AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship. Weidemann plans to major in nursing. She will enroll at SDSU this coming spring semester, but will be eligible to compete in the fall of 2021.
"Jasmine's vision and athleticism are some of her biggest strengths as a setter. Her ability to move around the court quickly allows her to jump set as much as possible and she's a fun player to watch," Georgalas said. "In addition, she has a great ability for connecting with her middles, has a fiery competitor spirit, and wants the best for Jackrabbit Volleyball. Enrolling in January will be a huge advantage for her as she prepares for college competition."
Jackrabbit Volleyball would like to welcome setter, Jasmine Weidemann! We can't wait for you to be a part of our family! ?? #GoJacks #P3JacksVB pic.twitter.com/5JytlaNaJA
— Jackrabbit Volleyball (@GoJacksVB) November 11, 2020
Elyse Winter | 6-1 | OH | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Xavier High School | Six Pack Volleyball Club
As a four-year letter winner, Elyse Winter is a 2019 and 2020 All-Mississippi Valley Conference First Team selection and was also named to the 2020 All-Metro First Team and 2019 All-State Second Team. She has recorded over 250 blocks while averaging a .288 hitting efficiency throughout her high school career. Winter helped her team qualify for the Iowa State Volleyball Tournament during the 2019 season. Most recently, Winter and her team captured the Iowa 4A State Championship title, and she was named to the All-Tournament Team. Winter was selected to play in the 2020 Volleyball Senior All Star Game.
"Elyse's length and athleticism will be a fantastic addition to our front line. She has the ability to play on both pins, play 6 rotations, and will be a physical blocking presence at the net," Georgalas expressed. "Coming off an Iowa 4A State Championship, we are excited for Elyse to bring a winning expectation to our program. Elyse will be another positive addition to our team culture, and we are looking forward to her developing into a wonderful ambassador for our university."
Outside hitter, Elyse Winter joins the Jackrabbit Volleyball family from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Fall 2021 can't come soon enough! ?? #GoJacks #P3JacksVB pic.twitter.com/mlSf4hbiY5
— Jackrabbit Volleyball (@GoJacksVB) November 11, 2020
South Dakota State opens its 2021 spring season Jan. 31 vs. Western Illinois at Frost Arena.
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Players Mentioned
MB
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