By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Head Coach Grant Hieb and the University of Sioux Falls Baseball program announced ten additions to the Cougar Baseball family on National Signing Day: Riley Dickhaus, Jackson "Jack" Drieman, Gunner Ganske, Carson Heinsch, Brayden Knutson, Cody Loida, Colin Lunders, Aiden Marconett, Chase Sanders, and Donovan Vendel. The class leans position-player heavy to complement the Cougars' graduating group while adding upside on the mound.
The signings build on USF's record-breaking 2025 campaign that featured a program-best 32 wins, a No. 4 seed in the NSIC Tournament, and the deepest postseason run of the DII era at USF.
"My coaching staff and I couldn't be happier with how things played out with this year's recruiting class. We were looking to go a little more position player heavy this year due to the guys we're graduating this spring and we did exactly that. We feel like we landed some high level student-athletes who will strive to have success both on and off the field. We added some really good athletes who we think will be able to play at high level on both sides of the ball. Not to mention the pitchers we have coming are guys we think can contribute sooner than later. It should be a great group to work with when they get on campus next fall." — Head Coach Grant Hieb
Riley Dickhaus | SS | Moorhead, Minn. (Moorhead HS)
A smooth-fielding shortstop from Moorhead High School, Dickhaus was an All-Section selection and team captain for the Spuds while competing in both baseball and wrestling. Standing 6-foot and 175 pounds, he brings athleticism and power potential to the Cougar infield. Off the field, he plans to major in Exercise Science and enjoys hunting and spending time outdoors.
"Riley is a big addition to our program," said Hieb. "He's a smooth fielding shortstop who we believe will provide some pop with the bat too. We think he has a chance to be an impact player on both sides of the ball sooner than later."
Jackson "Jack" Drieman | OF | Mendota Heights, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall HS)
Drieman comes to Sioux Falls from Cretin-Derham Hall, where he was a two-sport athlete in baseball and soccer. The 6'2" outfielder earned All-Conference honors, a Gold Glove award, and helped lead the Raiders to a state championship. Academically, he made the President's Honor Roll three straight years. Drieman will major in Business at USF and brings a competitive edge and athletic versatility to the program.
"We're very excited to have Jack joining the Coo next fall," said Hieb. "He has a lot of tools that we think will help him get on the field early in his career. We're hoping he'll make a big impact both in center field and at the plate."
Gunner Ganske | C | Bemidji, Minn. (Bemidji HS)
Ganske joins the Cougars as a talented catcher out of Bemidji High School, where he excelled in both baseball and football. A two-time team captain and All-Section honoree, he earned multiple team MVP awards for his defensive and offensive play. Academically, Ganske was a member of the National Honor Society and a three-time Academic Letter recipient. He plans to study Biology at USF and enjoys hunting, sports, and time outdoors with family and friends.
"We're pumped to have Gunner joining our squad," Hieb said. "He caught our eye behind the plate as soon as we saw him play. He can shut down an opponent's run game and does a great job handling a pitching staff. We can't wait to get him to Sioux Falls."
Carson Heinsch | OF | Moorhead, Minn. (Moorhead HS)
Heinsch, an athletic outfielder from Moorhead, Minnesota, was an All-Section performer for the Spuds while also competing in football and weightlifting. The 5'10", 185-pound right-handed hitter plans to major in Business at USF. Heinsch played his club baseball with the Dakota Selects and brings speed and strength to the outfield corps.
"Carson is an athletic outfielder who we think has a lot of potential on both sides of the ball," said Hieb. "He runs well and can hit for power too. We're looking forward to working with him next fall."
Brayden Knutson | INF | Brandon, S.D. (Brandon Valley HS)
A standout infielder from nearby Brandon Valley High School, Knutson is a left-handed hitting shortstop and second baseman known for his smooth glove and consistent bat. A National Honor Society member, he was named Sophomore Legion Honorable Mention All-State and Junior Legion Second-Team All-State. The 5'9", 165-pound infielder brings strong baseball IQ and a disciplined approach to the plate.
"I've had the pleasure of watching Brayden play shortstop and hit leadoff for his Brandon Valley teams the past few years," said Hieb. "He's a sure-handed fielder with a smooth left-handed swing. We think he'll be a great fit in our program."
Cody Loida | OF/UTIL | Dellwood, Minn. (Mahtomedi HS)
Loida is a 6'3", 190-pound outfielder from Mahtomedi High School, where he competed in both baseball and hockey for the Zephyrs. An All-Conference honoree, Loida is known for his athleticism and versatile skill set. He will major in Business at USF and enjoys golfing and spending time with family and friends.
"Cody's a versatile athlete who can play a lot of positions," said Hieb. "We liked his swing the first time we saw him play and think he can really take off at the plate as he gets bigger and stronger. We believe he can be an impact guy for us that provides some punch to our lineup."
Colin Lunders | OF | Sioux Falls, S.D. (Lincoln HS)
A hometown product, Lunders stays in Sioux Falls after a decorated prep career at Lincoln High School. The 6'1", 200-pound outfielder earned 2025 SDHSBA All-Region and Second-Team All-State honors, along with the Lincoln Baseball Spirit of Jorgen Award and a Varsity Gold Glove. He also played football for the Patriots and competed with Post 15 East during the summer. Lunders will major in Business at USF.
"Colin is a local talent who we're very excited to be keeping in town," said Hieb. "He's a big, physical outfielder who we believe will provide some power to the middle of our lineup. We're excited to get him on campus."
Aiden Marconett | LHP | Buffalo, Minn. (Buffalo HS)
Marconett is a 6'3", 235-pound left-handed pitcher from Buffalo High School, where he competed in both baseball and basketball. He earned All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition and pitched for the Buffalo 270 Legion team during the summer. Marconett plans to major in Business at USF and hopes to pursue a career in construction management after graduation.
"Aiden is a big, athletic left-handed pitcher that we are very high in," said Hieb. "We believe he has just started to tap into his potential on the mound and has a very high ceiling. We're excited to see him develop when he gets into our program."
Chase Sanders | RHP | Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge HS)
Sanders joins the Cougars from East Ridge High School in Woodbury, Minnesota, where he was a three-sport athlete in baseball, football, and basketball. A 6'3", 175-pound right-handed pitcher, Sanders played his club baseball with the Minnesota Blizzard and brings size, arm speed, and athleticism to the Cougar staff. He plans to major in Finance at USF and enjoys snowboarding in his free time.
"We're very happy to have Chase, a tall, lanky right-handed pitcher joining our program next fall," said Hieb. "He possesses many of the attributes we look for in pitchers that we recruit—size, arm speed, and a strong work ethic. He'll be reuniting with his older brother, Cooper, who joined the team this fall. As Chase continues to get bigger and stronger, we think he could develop into a high-end pitcher for our program."
Donovan Vendel | RHP | Champlin, Minn. (Champlin Park HS)
Vendel joins USF from Champlin Park High School, where he played both baseball and football for the Rebels. The 6'0", 180-pound right-handed pitcher was an A-Honor Roll student and competed with MASH Baseball at the club level. He plans to continue developing his craft on the mound while pursuing an undecided major at USF.
"Donovan is a twitchy, right-handed pitcher who has a great feel for spinning the baseball," said Hieb. "As he continues to gain strength and focuses exclusively on pitching, we think he has a chance to develop into a top of the rotation arm for us."
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