South Dakota State Volleyball Dominates Summit League Postseason Awards
This year, South Dakota State University (SDSU) made waves in the Summit League volleyball scene, and the postseason awards announced recently serve as a testament to their exceptional performance. The Jackrabbits, known for their home court advantage at the First Bank & Trust Arena, showcased sheer dominance throughout the season, culminating in a series of well-deserved accolades.
Outstanding Individual Performances
Leading the accolades is Sylvie Zgonc, who was named the Summit League Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Her remarkable skills as an outside hitter have made her a cornerstone of the Jackrabbits’ offensive play. Zgonc’s consistent performance not only set her apart from competitors but also helped solidify SDSU’s position at the top of the league.
Equally impressive is head coach Dan Georgalas, who also received the title of Coach of the Year, marking another year of recognition for his strategic acumen and leadership. Under his guidance, the Jackrabbits achieved an undefeated record in Summit League play—a feat not accomplished since 2019.
Joining Zgonc on the All-First Team are three other prominent Jackrabbits: middle blockers Madison Burr and Sydni Schetnan, along with setter Rylee Martin. Their collective prowess contributed significantly to the team’s overall success, demonstrating a well-rounded squad capable of adapting to various play styles and challenges.
Fresh Faces Shine
The future also looks bright for SDSU volleyball, as Hannah Klein, an outside hitter, was recognized on the All-Freshman Team. Her contributions throughout the season indicate that the Jackrabbits are not only focused on immediate successes but are also looking to build a robust program for years to come.
Rivals Rising
While SDSU clearly dominated the awards, their rivals, the University of South Dakota (USD) Coyotes, also made a strong showing. USD finished the season in second place within the Summit League and boasted an impressive presence in the postseason honors. Kamryn Farris, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year, earned this accolade for the second consecutive year. She is joined on the All-First Team by teammate Lauren Medeck, indicating a strong defensive unit.
The Coyotes also had several players recognized on the second team: Morgan Bode, Avery Van Hook, and Amanda Loschen. Furthermore, Aya Ball was named to the All-Freshman Team, showcasing USD’s blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers.
SDSU’s Tournament Aspirations
The Jackrabbits, with their significant roster strength and excellent coaching, are set to host the Summit League tournament from Sunday through Tuesday at their home arena. The anticipation is high as fans and players alike look forward to what could be a celebratory postseason for SDSU.
Complete Award Winners List
The postseason awards provide a snapshot of the standout players and coaches from the season. Here’s the full list of award winners:
- Player of the Year: Sylvie Zgonc, South Dakota State
- Defensive Player of the Year: Kamryn Farris, South Dakota
- Setter of the Year: Morgan Kealy, St. Thomas
- Freshman of the Year: Anya Schmidt, St. Thomas
- Coach of the Year: Dan Georgalas, South Dakota State
2025 All-Summit League Volleyball Teams
First Team:
- Paige Barber, North Dakota, OH
- Madison Burr, South Dakota State, MB
- Kamryn Farris, South Dakota, DS
- Lauren Jansen, North Dakota State, OH
- Kali Jurgensmeier, Omaha, OH
- Morgan Kealy, St. Thomas, S
- Rylee Martin, South Dakota State, S
- Lauren Medeck, South Dakota, OH
- Tezra Rudzitis, St. Thomas, RS
- Sydni Schetnan, South Dakota State, MB
- Megan Wetter, St. Thomas, MB
- Sylvie Zgonc, South Dakota State, OH
Second Team:
- Morgan Bode, South Dakota, MB
- Arianna Blohm, North Dakota State, MB
- Avery Van Hook, South Dakota, S
- Emily Huss, Omaha, MB
- Genevieve Lewis, Denver, OH
- Amanda Loschen, South Dakota, MB
- Ava Reynolds, Denver, OH
- Cortnee Smith, Oral Roberts, OH/RS
Freshman Team:
- Ava Ball, South Dakota, OH
- Rya Borer, North Dakota State, DS
- Hannah Klein, South Dakota State, OH
- Izabela Molina, Denver, MB
- Anya Schmidt, St. Thomas, OH
- Faith Venable, Omaha, OH
- Madison Winkler, Denver, DS/L
The excitement surrounding SDSU’s achievements showcases a vibrant culture of volleyball within the Summit League, creating a thrilling environment where competition continues to elevate the game. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the Jackrabbits and their pursuit of a championship title.