By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Tennis program is making waves with its latest recruiting haul. Head Coach Kevin Grebin has secured commitments from three elite student-athletes who will form the 2026 recruiting class: Brooke Balich (Murrieta, Calif.), Keyana Haler (Butterfield, Minn.), and Mckenzie Vickery (Sioux Falls, S.D.). The talented trio will don Cougar purple and white beginning with the 2026–27 season.
"I am very excited and pleased to have such a high-quality trio of tennis players joining our program in 2026," Coach Grebin said. "Keyana, Mckenzie and Brooke all bring tremendous skill and a competitive nature from their success on the courts in high school. They will be a great addition and contribute to our continued success for years to come."
The incoming class represents a strategic blend of talent from across the region—a dominant California singles powerhouse, a Minnesota state champion with multi-sport versatility, and one of South Dakota's most accomplished prep stars. Together, they signal an exciting new chapter for Cougar Tennis.
Brooke Balich • Murrieta, California • Vista Murrieta HS
Southern California tennis has produced countless champions, and Brooke Balich stands among its brightest stars. The Vista Murrieta standout brings an eye-popping 119–7 career singles record to Sioux Falls, along with hardware that speaks to her dominance on the court.
A four-time First Team All-Conference honoree and the 2025 Southwestern League Singles MVP, Balich has been virtually unstoppable in league play. She captured the 2025 Southwestern League Singles Championship and advanced to the CIF Southern California Singles 3rd Round. Her leadership also propelled Vista Murrieta to the CIF Girls Tennis team quarterfinals in both 2022 and 2024.
The accolades keep coming: three All-Scholastic Team selections (2022, 2024, 2025) and recognition as the 2023 Athlete of the Month underscore her consistency and competitive fire.
Off the court, Balich plans to pursue a degree in Psychology/Sports Medicine with dreams of working in professional sports as a sports psychologist, broadcaster, or trainer. When she's not on the tennis court, you'll find her cheering at football games, exploring hiking trails, or staying connected to the world of athletics.
Keyana Haler • Butterfield, Minnesota • St. James HS
Championship pedigree meets multi-sport excellence in Keyana Haler, a Minnesota Class A tennis standout who has left an indelible mark on the state's tennis landscape. A four-time state tournament participant and key contributor to St. James High School's 2025 State Championship team, Haler knows what it takes to win when it matters most. She's also competed at the state meet three times as an individual, proving her prowess in both team and singles competition.
Her trophy case tells the story of sustained excellence: three-time team MVP (2023–25), four-time All-Conference selection, and two-time Big South Conference Division Champion (2023, 2025). Her 2024 nomination for the prestigious Greater Mankato Athletic Award further validates her status as one of the region's premier athletes.
But tennis is just one facet of Haler's athletic identity. She's also excelled in basketball and track.
In the classroom, Haler shines just as brightly. A National Honor Society member and frequent Spotlight on Scholarship recipient, she brings academic discipline that will serve her well as she pursues a Nursing degree at USF. She's also committed to giving back, coaching youth tennis in her community and contributing to the Butterfield community fund.
Mckenzie Vickery • Sioux Falls, South Dakota • Harrisburg HS
Some student-athletes dream of playing college sports in their hometown. Mckenzie Vickery is making that dream a reality—and bringing championship credentials with her.
The Harrisburg High School standout is staying home to compete for the Cougars, and she arrives with an impressive résumé. A State Champion and both all-tournament and all-conference selection, Vickery has proven herself against South Dakota's best. She holds the Harrisburg High School record for career singles wins, a testament to her consistency, longevity, and competitive excellence.
Her success extends beyond the tennis court. A National Honor Society member with multiple Honor Roll achievements, Vickery exemplifies the student-athlete ideal. She plans to major in Pre-Law at USF, setting the stage for a future that could extend well beyond her playing days.
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