August 9, 2022

SIOUX FALLS – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) released the 2022 Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll as well as its Players to Watch list yesterday afternoon.

The University of Sioux Falls is coming off a 17-11 season while finishing 12-8 in the NSIC. According to the 2022 Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Cougars are predicted to finish 11th in NSIC play this season. During the Cougars 2021 season, they secured three upset victories over top-25 opponents as well as collected three All-NSIC awards (Averey Yaksich, Krista Goerger, Jordan Kuper) and the programs second All-American (Krista Goerger).

"We will have a lot of youth on our team this year. Not only did we graduate a lot of seniors after the 2021 season, but we had a large recruiting class in 2022," said Head Coach Dan Mathews. "It is exciting to help mold them into better volleyball players and I look forward to guiding them through these important four years of their lives. We have a small senior class this year, so it will be rewarding to watch them lead, teach, and empower our younger players."

Jordan Kuper, a sophomore from Scotch Grove, IA, earned her spot on the 2022 NSIC Volleyball Players to Watch list after a dominant performance during her freshman campaign. As a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, Kuper was able to tally 248 kills on 505 attacks while also contributing 15 set assists, 25 digs and 121 blocks. Kuper started in all 28 matches for the Cougars in 2021 and earned All-NSIC second team honors as a freshman.

"Jordan earned All-Conference last year because she brings a strong presence to the net as well as the ability to block and score," said Coach Mathews. "Not only is she a dominating physical presence, but she's also a tremendous person who cares for her teammates and respects her opponents. Her work ethic on the court and in the classroom is reflected in her success as a student-athlete."

The Cougars will open up their season at the Rosella Meier Fall Classic in Kearney, Nebraska as they take on Midwestern State (TX), Central Washington, Nebraska-Kearney, and Washburn on August 26-27.

For more information and updates on everything Cougar Volleyball, be sure to follow The Coo on Instagram @USFCougarVB and Twitter @USF_CougarVB.