SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Augustana volleyball head coach Jennifer Jacobs announced Wednesday the signing of five future Vikings for the incoming freshman class of 2024. The class includes Shelby Barwick, Lucy Belisle, Lucy Cogan, Maddie Muellner, and Lexi Nelson.
Coach Jacobs on the class: "We are so excited for this talented group of athletes to join us. All five of them play at an extremely high level and they will all be coming in with a winning mentality. The fall of 2024 you will see one of the most athletic Augustana volleyball teams as a whole. We can't wait to welcome the 2024's and get to work."
Shelby Barwick | Opposite | Lake Elmo, Minn. | Stillwater High School
High School: Barwick is a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter for Stillwater High School, In her senior season, she has led the right-side attack with 152 kills on 418 attempts for the Section 4AAAA Champion and state qualifying Ponies. In the last two seasons, Barwick has helped bring Stillwater to the state tournament.
Personal: Shelby is the daughter of Joe and Christy Barwick. She plans to major in exercise science with a minor in biology while at Augustana.
Coach Jacobs on Barwick: "Shelby is a silent killer. She is super sweet on the inside, but an athletic hitter who sneaks by opponents. She isn't even near her ceiling yet on the court and we are looking forward to her unique ability to fly under the radar and then go OFF."
Lucy Belisle | Middle/Outside | St. Croix Falls, Wis. | Saint Croix Falls High School
High School: Belisle is a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for Saint Croix Falls High School. In her junior season, she recorded a .339 hitting percentage while leading the Saints to state title. For her efforts, she was named first team all-conference and to the state all-tournament team. She also earned all-conference first team and all-state honorable mention as a sophomore, leading the team to a state runner-up finish and making the state all-tournament team.
Personal: Lucy is the daughter of Grant and Steph Belisle. She plans to major in education while at Augustana.
Coach Jacobs on Belisle: "Lucy B is a talented, high jumper and that's the first thing everyone will be in awe of. She flies above blockers, hangs in the air and is an electrifying player to watch. We look forward to seeing what her athleticism brings to the table."
Lucy Cogan | Libero/Defensive Specialist | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Southeast High School
High School: Cogan is a four-year letterwinner, three-year starter, and two-year captain for Lincoln Southeast High School. She served as the libero her senior season and led the team in digs, serve reception rating, pass percentage, and service efficiency. The four-year academic all-conference nominee has been versatile in her time with the Knights, slotting in as a libero, defensive specialist, and setter in the last three seasons.
Personal: Lucy is the daughter of Jane Cogan and Jacque Kidder. She plans to major in marketing while at Augustana.
Coach Jacobs on Cogan: "Cogs is a sturdy, consistent passer, and relentless defender who can pick up anything opponents throw at her. We're excited to have her in our back row"
Maddie Muellner | Middle | Forest Lake, Minn. | Forest Lake High School
High School: Muellner is a three-year letterwinner and starter for Forest Lake High School. In her senior campaign, she has dominated with 265 kills on a .342 hitting percentage, 75 blocks, 55 aces, and 30 digs while serving as a captain. As a junior, Muellner racked up 236 kills, 106 digs, and 50 blocks en route to all-conference honors. She also earned all-conference honorable mention honors with 211 kills and 63 blocks.
Personal: Maddie is the daughter of Amy and Randy Muellner. She plans to major in environmental studies while at Augustana.
Coach Jacobs on Muellner: "Maddie is a terminator. She also has high jumping ability and is STRONG. Maddie is a force to be reckoned with, and she refuses to quit on any play. We are pumped to welcome her blocking and attacking game."
Lexi Nelson | Outside | Byron, Minn. | Byron High School
High School: Nelson is a four year-starter and letterwinner for Byron High School. In her senior season (as of Oct. 28), Nelson has tallied 276 kills, 230 digs, and 56 blocks. She recently led the Bears to a section championship after recording 12 digs, nine kills, and four blocks. As a junior, Nelson earned defensive player of the year and all-conference honorable mention honors after racking up 230 digs and 56 blocks while leading Byron to the section finals.
Personal: Lexi is the daughter of Chris and Ann Nelson. She plans to major in nursing while at Augustana.
Coach Jacobs on Nelson: "This kid is a stud. She can play both sides of the ball well and could have an immediate impact. The fans are going to love her competitiveness and infectious attitude on and off the court. We can't wait to see how her game elevates at the college level."
