South Dakota looks to build on their 2016 Summit League title and program record 25 wins with a pair of transfers in 2017.
Sophomore defensive specialist Mehana Fonseca joins the Coyotes after a year at the University of Central Oklahoma, while junior middle blocker Taylor Wilson comes to Vermillion, South Dakota, after spending two years at Stony Brook University.
Fonseca tallied 121 digs and 31 aces for the Bronchos in 2016, while also ranking second in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association with 0.34 acess per set. As a prepster at Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colorado, the libero posted the third-highest dig tally in school history, while guiding the team to the 2015 5A state title. A four-year honoree roll member and two-time academic all-state recipient, Fonseca also excelled on the court, garnering second team all-Centennial League accolades.
“Mehana fills a need for us right away in the back row,” USD coach Leanne Williamson said on goyotes.com. “She will be able to compete for a role on the floor immediately with her commitment to the game and improving each day. She has a great serve and is able to serve receive at a high level. I am looking forward to having her defensive mindset in the gym, pushing us to continue to get better.”
Wilson racked up 455 kills, 201 digs and 78 blocks in two seasons at Stony Brook, where she was on the court for every match during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The Corydon, Indiana, native was a four-time first team all state and all-area selection, while leading her Our Lady of Providence team to state titles each of her last two years. The Max Prep All-American tallied 1,616 kills, 683 blocks and 449 digs for the Pioneers.
“Taylor is a fierce competitor,” Williamson said. “She has an amazing passion for this game, and is willing to put in the time and effort that it takes to be a great player. Her drive will instantly raise the level in our gym and push our returners. I am excited for her to arrive here and begin training with the team. She will be a great addition.”
The Coyotes begin their 2017 season at the Wyoming Rumble in the Rockies Tournament. USD will look to defend its Summit league title with a roster featuring 10 upperclassmen, including four seniors.
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