By: Madie Brink
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – University of Sioux Falls volleyball standout Ella Walker has been named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) All-Conference First Team following an impressive 2026 campaign. Walker earned the recognition after leading the Cougars offensively while providing a strong presence at the net throughout the season.
Walker put together an outstanding season for Sioux Falls, leading the team with 280 kills, a .395 hitting percentage, 104 total blocks, and 340.5 points. Appearing in all 100 sets for the Cougars, Walker averaged 2.80 kills per set and 1.04 blocks per set while committing just 64 attacking errors on 547 total attempts.
Her .395 hitting percentage ranked second in the NSIC and 18th nationally among NCAA Division II competitors, highlighting her efficiency as one of the conference's top offensive threats. Walker accounted for more than 22 percent of Sioux Falls' total kills while helping the Cougars finish the season with a .237 team hitting percentage.
In addition to her offensive production, Walker helped anchor the Cougars' blocking efforts throughout the season. She recorded 17 solo blocks and 87 block assists, finishing with 104 total blocks. Her contributions helped Sioux Falls lead the NSIC in both total team blocks and blocks per set. Nationally, the Cougars ranked ninth in NCAA Division II in total blocks and 19th in blocks per set, finishing with 228 team blocks and an average of 2.28 blocks per set.
Walker also led the Cougars in total points with 340.5, accounting for more than 21 percent of the team's 1,613 points during the 2026 campaign. Her combination of offensive efficiency and defensive production made her a key contributor on both sides of the net.
Coach's Corner
"Ella has been a tremendous presence for us on both sides of the net this season. Her ability to consistently produce offensively while being a major part of our blocking success speaks to the impact she has on our program. She's worked hard to develop her game and has become someone we can rely on in big moments. We're incredibly proud of Ella for earning this recognition, and it's a well-deserved honor for the season she's put together."
-Head Coach, Dan Mathews
2026 Season Highlights – Ella Walker
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Named to the NSIC All-Conference First Team for the second consecutive season.
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Led Sioux Falls with 280 kills and 2.80 kills per set.
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Recorded a team-best .395 hitting percentage on 547 total attacks.
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Led the Cougars with 340.5 total points.
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Recorded a team-high 104 total blocks, including 17 solo blocks and 87 block assists.
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Averaged 1.04 blocks per set.
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Appeared in all 100 sets for Sioux Falls.
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Accounted for more than 22 percent of the team's total kills.
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Helped USF finish with a .237 team hitting percentage and 2.28 blocks per set.
Up Next
Sioux Falls will hit the road next weekend to take on St. Cloud State and Minnesota State in their final regular season matches. The Cougars are slated to take on the Huskies November 6 at 6pm in St. Cloud, Minnesota followed by a 3pm matchup against the Mavericks on November 7 in Mankato.
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