November 10, 2022

SIOUX FALLS – The University of Sioux Falls volleyball program, and head coach Dan Mathews, are excited to announce the addition of three athletes on National Signing Day.

"Our 2023 recruiting class is impressive in their mental fortitude and singular focus on excellence. This group is eager to face the hardships of NSIC Volleyball. They want to be rigorously challenged in training. In sports, the willingness to selflessly do hard things is what separates a true leader, and this group has that edge."

-Coach Mathews on the 2023 signing class

The members of the 2023 class include: Aubrey Gates, Kyleigh Tangen and Faith Van Eck.

Aubrey Gates, Outside/Hitter, La Porte City, IA / Union High School

Aubrey comes to USF from La Porte City, Iowa where she played volleyball and ran track at Union High School. For the Knights, she was a four year letter winner in volleyball. In 2022, Gates was named Iowa Girls Coaches Association Senior All-Star. In 2021, she was First Team North Iowa Cedar League East All-Conference, Iowa 3A NE All-District Team, Iowa Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention, and Union High School Volleyball MVP. Her high school team made it to the state quarterfinals in 2020, and semifinals in 2019. Gates has over 1,208 career kills, 85 career aces, 440 career digs, and 179 career blocks and also played for the Flight Volleyball Club. Gates is the daughter of Jennifer and Jason, and plans to major in Exercise Science and minor in Business in the fall. Aubrey plans to pursue a career in personal and strength training with the goal of managing her own fitness center.

"Aubrey brings the physicality that teams need in the NSIC. Her athleticism will make her a force in our league, but her mindset is what differentiates Aubrey from others. She brings a level of intensity to the court that's hard to match. Her desire to be challenged is foundational to the team culture at USF."

-Coach Mathews on Aubrey Gates

Kyleigh Tangen, Outside, Paynesville, MN / Paynesville High School

Kyleigh comes to USF from Paynesville, Minnesota where she attended Paynesville High School. For the Bulldogs she played volleyball as well as track and field. On the court she was named to the CMC All-Conference Team in 2021. Tangen has 1,100 career kills, 672 career digs, and 94 career blocks at Paynesville and also played for Kandi Elite Volleyball Club. Kyleigh is the daughter of Tiffany and Micheal, and plans to major in Nursing in the fall.

"Kyleigh is a complete player. For such a young athlete, she has an impressive degree of mastery over the fundamentals of the game. She knows how to navigate the constraints of volleyball and operate in the flow of competition. Kyleigh is a bright spot of positive energy, and she will be an asset the moment she steps in our gym."

-Coach Mathews on Kyleigh Tangen

Faith Van Eck, Libero/DS, Lincoln, NE / Lincoln High School

A three sport athlete, Faith joins the Cougars from Lincoln, Nebraska. She played volleyball and bowling, as well as ran track for the Links of Lincoln High School. On the court, Van Eck was a four year starter and two year captain for the volleyball team. She recorded 1,102 career digs, 121 career aces, and 571 career kills while also playing club for VC Nebraska. Faith is the daughter of Randi and Troy, and she plans to study Biology at USF this fall.

"Faith is totally committed to being the best volleyball player she can possibly be. Her work ethic is off the charts; she's strong, fast, capable of learning, and she competes like crazy. Faith's presence on our team will immediately raise the standard for what it means to be a USF Cougar."

-Coach Mathews on Faith Van Eck