SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Augustana volleyball head coach Jennifer Jacobs announced Wednesday the signing of four future Vikings for the incoming freshman class of 2022. The class includes Brooke Berens, Sydney Tims, Ellie Walker and Maya Wente.

"We lucked out in this 2022 class, being able to sign Sydney, Brooke, and Ellie, keeping three major South Dakota favorite players home for the next four years is amazing," Jacobs said. "Rounding out the class with Minnesotan Maya Wente, this class is very dynamic and going to add versatility to our offense and continue the positive energy in our locker room. 

"We are excited to welcome this bunch to our family!"   

Brooke Berens| Middle Blocker| Parker, S.D. | Parker HS

Berens was a three-year starter and three-year letter winner for Parker High School. In her junior season, she helped the Pheasants to a 20-8 record and a third-place finish at the state championships. Berens had 277 kills on .209 hitting percentage while having 82 blocks and 41 aces. She also was named to the 2020-21 Adrenaline Future 50 recipient, 2020 BEC First Team, 2020 All-State Second Team, and a major letter winner. 

Berens plans to major in nursing while at Augustana.

Jacobs on Berens: "It's always nice when family meshes well with our work. Brooke comes to us not only as an offensive threat in the middle or the right side, she's also second-cousins with my fiance' Scott. On the court she provides a high block that will slow down opponents' attacks." 

Sydney Tims | Outside Hitter | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Sioux Falls Christian HS

Tims was a three-year starter and three-year letter winner for Sioux Falls Christian. She has been a part of the Sioux Falls Christian team that won three-straight South Dakota Class A State Championships and Dakota 12 Conference Championships. Tims played in 114 sets in her junior season accumulating 134 kills, 62 blocks, 56 aces and 54 digs.

Tims plans to major in business/marketing and minor in Spanish while at Augustana.

Jacobs on Tims: "Joining her sister on campus (Lauren Tims - Augustana golfer), Syd is a great all around player fans should keep their eyes on. Syd can fly high on the attack and has natural blocking vision that will continue to strengthen our defensive line at the net."

Ellie Walker | Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Washington HS

Walker was a four-year starter and four-year letter winner for Washington High School. In her junior season, she helped Washington to a third-place finish at the state championship. She garnered 205 kills, 226 digs, 58 aces and 28 blocks while being named to the all-tournament team and All-Metro Conference Team. In her sophomore season, she was tabbed Metro Conference Honorable Mention while helping the Warriors to a fourth-place finish at the state championship. She had 162 kills, 137 digs, 39 blocks and 37 aces.

Walker plans to major in biology and minor in Spanish while at Augustana.

Jacobs on Walker: "A ball of energy and spitfire is what Ellie brings to the court. Fans will notice her gregarious personality right away and she brings us that steady passing and defense we need in our conference. Even though she is considered undersized for an attacker, she can bang balls with the best of them."

Maya Wente | Middle Hitter | Canby, Minn. | Canby HS

Wente was a four-year starter and four-year letter winner for Canby High School. In her junior year, she played 45 sets accumulating 125 kills while holding a hitting percentage of .381. Wente also had 41 total blocks and 33 aces. She was named First Team All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention, captain and earned the Lancer MVP Award while helping Canby to a 10-3 record. In her sophomore season, Wente played in 91 sets totaling 184 kills (two kills per set) with a .371 hitting percentage and 90 total blocks.

Wente plans to major in elementary education while at Augustana.

Jacobs on Wente: "Don't let the kind smile and quiet demeanor fool you, Maya Wente is a tall athletic player who can do just about anything along the net. She is great off of one foot, and has agile arms which she uses efficiently to stop balls along the net on the block." 

--GoAugie.com--