Trojans picked fourth in 2026 Frontier Women's Volleyball Coaches' Preseason Poll
August 10, 2026
MADISON, S.D. - Dakota State (S.D.) enters the 2026 women’s volleyball season seeking to preserve one of the NAIA’s most productive attacks while working several new players into prominent roles. The Trojans return six letterwinners from a team that finished 16-13 overall and 12-10 during its first season in the Frontier Conference. Dakota State tied for fourth, advanced to the conference quarterfinals and secured its seventh winning season in eight years. Its 14.11 kills per set led the Frontier and ranked third nationally.
Junior outside hitter Tristyn Maras, senior middle hitter Macey Wathen, senior defensive specialist/libero Kate VanRooyan and sophomore middle hitter Lauryn Kloth. Tristyn Maras lead the returning group. Lauryn Kloth. Tristyn Maras earned second-team All-Frontier honors after collecting 328 kills and ranking third in the conference at 3.15 kills per set. Another second-team selection produced 290 kills and 67 blocks, while an honorable mention defender recorded 534 digs and enters the season fifth in program history with 1,754 career digs. Lauryn Kloth adds another proven option at the net after contributing 156 kills and 65 blocks.
The Trojans must replace three starters, including first-team All-Frontier setter Maddi Langerock, who graduated after recording 1,125 assists. Second-team outside hitter Sophie Tuttle, who led the conference in kills per set, transferred.
Amy Veenhof, who opens her 18th season with a program-record 264 victories and a 278-299 career mark. She has guided Dakota State to three NAIA National Tournament appearances, most recently in 2024, and Alaina Harkins returns as assistant coach. The Frontier race again figures to be demanding after Providence edged Bellevue for the top position in the 2026 conference coaches preseason poll.
The Trojans picked to finish fourth in the preseason poll after registering 87 points. Montana Tech was third with 97 points and Carroll (Mont.) fifth with 80 points. DSU, MT, and CC all were tied for fourth in the standings with 12-10 record last season. Montana Western finished sixth with 65 points, edging MSU-Northern by two points (63 points). Valley City State (N.D.) placed eighth with 51 points, Dickinson State (N.D.) ninth with 49 points, Bismarck State (N.D.) tenth with 33 points, Mayville State (N.D.) 11th with 20 points, and Rocky Mountain (Mont.) 12th with 16 points.
The 22-match Frontier Conference volleyball schedule starts on the first week of September. The top eight teams in the conference standings will advance to the postseason tournament held at PE Center in Helena, hosted by Carroll on Nov. 12-14.
The league will be awarded two automatic bids to the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Tournament. The regular-season champion will receive the first automatic bid. The second berth will be awarded to the Frontier Conference Tournament Champion. In the event the regular-season champion is the tournament champion, then the second berth will be awarded to the tournament’s runner-up.
Dakota State opens Aug. 14 against Embry-Riddle of Arizona at the Paradise Volleyball Classic in Honolulu before hosting Dakota Wesleyan in its home opener Aug. 26.
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