By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Head Coach Travis Traphagen has announced the addition of five student-athletes to the Cougar family as part of the 2026 recruiting class. Joining the program are Natalie Backhaus (Wisconsin Dells, Wis.), Madalyn Dolliver (Pender, Neb.), Dana Harpe (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Sadie Mehrman (Sioux Falls, S.D.), and Gracie Salter (Brandon, S.D.).
"I want to thank my staff for all the time they put into this 2026 recruiting class," said Traphagen. "We are so excited about this group. We feel like we really addressed the needs of our program and hit a home run with these additions. Great young ladies, terrific student-athletes, and great families define this class joining the Coo family."
Natalie Backhaus – F/C – Wisconsin Dells, Wis. – Wisconsin Dells High School
A 6'0 forward/center, Backhaus was a four-time unanimous First Team All-Conference selection and an All-State Honorable Mention pick at Wisconsin Dells High School. A multi-sport athlete who also competed in track and field, she plans to major in Biology at USF.
"Natalie is a very unique talent," said Traphagen. "She'll play the forward/center position for us. She has the strength to battle inside but also the skill to play on the perimeter. She'll be a difficult matchup for opponents and has the opportunity to make a real impact in our future. We're so excited that she chose USF for her college career."
Madalyn Dolliver – G – Pender, Neb. – Pender High School
A 5'7 guard from Pender, Nebraska, Dolliver joins the Cougars after a decorated career at Pender High School, where she led the Pendragons to multiple state tournament appearances and established herself as one of the most prolific shooters in Nebraska prep history.
As a junior, Dolliver earned First Team Class D1 All-State honors from the Omaha World-Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, Huskerland Prep Report, and Harvest Sports. She was also named First Team All-East Husker Conference, First Team Small School All-Area by the Sioux City Journal, and Most Outstanding Player of the Class D1 State Tournament by NebPreps. She holds the Nebraska state and school record for three-pointers in a season (111), in a single game (13), and in a state tournament game (9). She also set the school record for career threes (246) and ranks ninth all-time in program scoring (949 points).
A National Honor Society member and four-year honor roll student, Dolliver plans to major in Nursing at USF. She is also a certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy student with aspirations to continue her work in healthcare.
"Her sister already plays for us, so we had a relationship with the family from the start," Traphagen said. "When you think of shooters, there are none better than Madalyn. She's a winner — her high school has won state titles, and she was a huge part of that success. As a coach's kid, she understands the game and will make an immediate impact for us."
Dana Harpe – G – Sioux Falls, S.D. – Washington High School
Harpe, a 5'11 guard from Sioux Falls Washington, is a three-sport athlete and standout student who earned First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-State, and All-Tournament Team honors. A member of the AP Scholar and Academic Honors programs, she plans to major in Pre-Med at USF. Harpe joins her older sisters Hannah and Brooklyn, who are both members of the Cougar program.
"Dana is a long, athletic wing who has improved tremendously throughout her high school career," Traphagen said. "At 5'11, she has a great ability to get to the rim, score, and create offense for her teammates. She's an elite defender who uses her length to her advantage. With her sisters already on our team, we've been recruiting Dana for quite some time and couldn't be more excited about her future with the Coo."
Sadie Mehrman – G – Sioux Falls, S.D. – Bishop O'Gorman High School
Mehrman, a 5'10 guard, is a two-time ESD and Metro Conference selection who helped lead Bishop O'Gorman to a Class AA State Championship. A member of the National Honor Society, she plans to pursue a career as a Healthcare Attorney.
"Sadie made an early commitment to us, and we couldn't be more excited about her," said Traphagen. "She's a Swiss Army knife type of player who does everything well and competes every time she's on the floor. She's tough, passionate, and a winner — having helped O'Gorman to a state title last season. With her brother playing for the USF men's team, this recruitment was seamless and the fit couldn't be better."
Gracie Salter – G/F – Brandon, S.D. – Brandon Valley High School
Salter, a 5'11 guard/forward, was a Second Team All-State and All-Conference selection for Brandon Valley, where she also excelled in soccer. A National Honor Society member, she plans to major in Occupational Therapy at USF.
"What a great athlete Gracie is," said Traphagen. "From the beginning of her junior year to now, she's one of the most improved players I've recruited. The more we watched her this past summer, the more we knew she was a perfect fit for our program. Gracie is very versatile, an elite athlete, and will be a big part of her team's success this year and ours in the future."
Stay Connected
For all things USF Women's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
