By: Madie Brink
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Volleyball program and Head Coach Dan Mathews are proud to announce the signing of four standout student-athletes to the 2026 recruiting class. Set to join the Cougars next fall are Maegan Cheeseman (Ankeny, Iowa), Cecilia Spaeth (Lake Elmo, Minn.), Taya Thaden (Elkhorn, Neb.), and Bre Van Den Top (Sergeant Bluff, Iowa).
"These four young women bring a great mix of size, athleticism, and competitive drive," said Coach Mathews. "They come from strong programs and will elevate our gym the moment they arrive. Each of them has proven success both on the court and in the classroom, and we're excited to see their impact at USF."
Maegan Cheeseman | Ankeny, Iowa | Ankeny Centennial HS | 6'1" | Setter | Business/Pre-Law
A versatile setter from Ankeny, Iowa, Cheeseman has been a steady playmaker for the Jaguars and Iowa United. She posted 1,146 assists, 413 digs, 132 kills, 58 aces, and 56 blocks during her prep career while earning All-Conference honors in 2024. Standing 6-foot-1, Cheeseman combines leadership and precision in setting with a strong all-around game.
Cecilia Spaeth | Lake Elmo, Minn. | Stillwater Area HS | 6'0" | Outside Hitter | Business Administration
Spaeth joins the Cougars from Stillwater Area High School, where she helped the Ponies to multiple successful campaigns while earning academic letters in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Competing at the club level with MN Select, Spaeth has shown consistency as a six-rotation outside hitter with explosive athleticism.
Taya Thaden | Elkhorn, Neb. | Millard West HS | 6'1" | Middle Blocker | Exercise Science
A force at the net, Thaden recorded 400+ kills and more than 200 blocks during her prep career at Millard West High School in Omaha. She was named All-State Honorable Mention as a junior and is a multi-year honor roll student. Thaden's size, energy, and blocking ability make her a strong presence in the middle for the Cougars. Thaden competed for the Fremont Volleyball Club.
Bre Van Den Top | Sergeant Bluff, Iowa | Sergeant Bluff-Luton HS | 5'10" | Opposite | Radiologic Technology
VanDenTop arrives in Sioux Falls after a decorated prep career with the Warriors, where she totaled 1,095 kills, 192 blocks, and 112 aces while hitting an impressive .360 efficiency. A three-time All-Conference and Third Team All-State selection, she also earned AVCA Team Academic honors and was named to the USAV Nationals All-Tournament Team in 2024. Van Den Top also earned 4A All-State Tournament Team recognition along with Large School All-Area Team honors and competed with the Midwest Elite.
