Abby Gruber | Middle Hitter | Brandon, South Dakota | Brandon Valley
High School: Abby is a two-time letter winner and Brandon Valley High School. Abby earned All Conference ESD team, Class AA all state and all metro honorable mention honors as a junior. 2024 JVA watchlist. Currently the 3rd ranked player in South Dakota.
Personal: Abby is the daughter of Sarah and Ryan Gruber and plans to major in business and minor in marketing
Coach Jacobs on Gruber: "Abby's quick twitch athleticism is what makes her a force in the front row. She packs a punch behind her swing and is off the ground so fast, opponents will struggle to keep up!"
Ali Jones | Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | O'Gorman
High School: Jones is a three-year letterwinner and senior starter for the Knights. She was a state runner-up this past season and had 167 digs to go along with a 1.90 serve/receive rating. Jones was also a part of a third-place state finisher as a junior and had a serve-receive rating of 1.97.
Personal: Ali is the daughter of Scott and Lisa Jones and the sister of current Viking
Gabby Jones. She is undecided on her major.
Coach Jacobs on Jones: "We are excited to add Ali Jones to our 2026 class! Not only is she a great all-around athlete and extreme competitor, but the fact that she is a sister of current player
Gabby Jones is icing on the cake. She's going to add a dynamic edge in the gym and we can't wait to have her!"
Sylvia Taylor | Outside Hitter | Bismarck, North Dakota | Bismarck Century
High School: Sylvia is a two-year letter winner at Bismark Century High School. Sylvia led her team to a 36-4 record while capturing the AA state Championship in her junior season. Sylvia also earned all state tournament team and WDA 2nd team selection.
Personal: Sylvia is the daughter of Nikki and Ryan Taylor and plans to major in nursing.
Coach Jacobs on Taylor: "Sylvia is a high flyer, fans are going to love to see her dynamic attacking and blocking ability. She's got a competitive edge and can physically take over matches. We are excited to have her in the gym!"
Ella Nelson | Outside Hitter | Byron, Minnesota | Byron
High School: Ella is a four-year letter winner at Byron High School. Ella led her team to a sectional championship, placing 3rd in the state tournament in her sophomore season. In her junior season, she led Byron to a 24-8 record while placing second in the sectional tournament with 276 kills and 265 digs.
Personal: Ella is the daughter of Ann and Chris Nelson and the sister of current Viking Lexi Nelson. She plans to major in biology.
Coach Jacobs on Nelson: "A solid all around, she can bang off the block and pass with the best of them. We are pumped to keep the Nelson - Augie volleyball family connection going strong for years to come!"
