South Dakota State University head volleyball coach Nicole Cirillo announced Wednesday that Kasey Brower, Emma Christopherson, Shelby Kaup and Ellie Thein will enroll at South Dakota State and play for the Jackrabbits this fall.
– Kasey Brower, 5-foot-6, libero, Willard, Mo. (Willard HS)
– Emma Christopherson, 5-10, outside hitter, Fallbrook, Calif. (Fallbrook Union HS)
– Shelby Kaup, 5-11, outside hitter, Arlington, Neb. (Arlington HS) and
– Ellie Thein, 5-6, defensive specialist, Clara City, Minn. (MACCRAY HS)
“I’m extremely excited to add Kasey, Emma, Shelby and Ellie to the Jackrabbit family,” Cirillo said. “They each bring such an excitement and drive to the change that our program is going through. I have no doubt that they will help us in continue to push this program forward.”
Brower earned first-team all-state as a senior and Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region accolades as a sophomore. She finished her career as a three-time first-team Class 4A All-District honoree and three-time second-team All-Central Ozark Conference pick.
Congratulations to Kasey Brower for signing with South Dakota State University to play volleyball next year! @OzarksOzone @scoreboardguy pic.twitter.com/qxKUlqX29d
— WillardTigers Sports (@WillardSports) April 11, 2018
The four-year letterwinner completed her high school career as the program’s leader in digs (1,266). She helped the Lady Tigers to a 119-21-5 record and three Class A District 10 titles.
Christopherson, the Jackrabbits’ first Californian since Santa Ynez’ Kathy Kelley (1994-95), was a three-time all-league selection, including first team as a senior. She was named to a pair of Pac-Ridge all-tournament teams and was named MVP of the 2017 tournament.
The 19-time player of the match finished her high school career with more than 700 kills and hit .264.
Super excited to announce that I have committed to play D1 volleyball and continue my education at South Dakota State University this upcoming fall! Can’t wait to be a Jackrabbit! ????#earsup #getjacked pic.twitter.com/cvco6LPFpt
— Emma (@_emmmmmmaa_) March 28, 2018
Kaup is a two-time first-team all-conference selection and four-time all-conference selection for the Eagles. In 2017 and 2016, she picked up honorable mention all-state and academic all-state honors.
Arlington’s career leader in kills (989) and digs in a set (30), finished her high school career hitting .261 and averaged 3.11 kills per set, 3.27 digs per set and collected more than 100 total blocks.
A two-time West Central Tribune first-team all-area pick, all-conference selection and an academic all-state honoree, Thein finished her high school career with the school record for digs (1,352). She also recorded nearly 800 kills and 134 service aces.
The four-year letterwinner plays AAU with Southwest Minnesota Volleyball and won the 2017 American Division of the Northern Lights U17 Qualifier.
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South Dakota State returns to the court in August for its 53rd season.
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