Coyote Volleyball Program Signs Three Prep Standouts

11/12/2009

Matt Houk

VERMILLION, S.D. -- Matt Houk, the head volleyball coach at The University of South Dakota, has announced the signing of three-student athletes for the 2010-11 season.

Amber Aschoff of Ankeny, Iowa, Victoria Kroll of Germantown, Wis., and Natalie Walseth of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., have all signed letters of intent to compete for the Coyotes starting in 2010.

“This is one of the best classes, if not the best class, I have ever been part of in my seven years at the Division I level,” Houk said. “They all are very talented, but on top of that, they have a very high volleyball IQ. Most of all, all three have huge hearts, and that says that they are ready to come in here, and do whatever it takes to have success. They have already shown a lot of pride in becoming Yotes. I couldn’t be more proud to welcome Tori, Natalie, and Amber to the Coyote volleyball family.”

Aschoff, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter for Ankeny High School, was second team All-State in 2008 in helping Ankeny win the state title. Through 32 matches, Aschoff had a team high 250 kills. She also led Ankeny back to the Class 4A state tournament with a 33-1 record. Aschoff is also a member of the Iowa Power Volleyball Alliance club team. She also was listed on the AVCA’s 2009 Watch List for the state of Iowa.

Aschoff recently led Ankeny to the Iowa Class 4A State Championship and was named to the All-Tournament team. She averaged 4.45 kills per set at the state tournament.

“Amber is coming out of the best high school program in the state of Iowa,” Houk said. “She is a winner, with the skill set to go along with her heart. I know Amber has what it takes to put in the dedication needed to have success at our level.”

Kroll, a 6-foot-1 setter, just completed her senior season at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson, Wis. She finished 2009 with 949 set assists, averaging 8.6 per set, while compiling 257 digs and 156 kills. She also had 25 total blocks and 66 service aces as a senior. Kroll helped Kettle Moraine to a 33-9 mark in 2009, and was named the Flyway Conference’s Player of the Year. It was her second straight all-conference first team honor. In 2008, she was a Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches’ Association All-State third team selection and helped Kettle Moraine to a 36-4 mark.

Kroll is also a member of the Milwaukee Sting Volleyball Club and was listed on the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s 2009 Watch List for the state of Wisconsin. For her career, Kroll finished with 2,605 set assists, 472 kills, 215 service aces,and 730 digs. She is the daughter of John and Dorrie Kroll.

“She plays with a big heart,” Houk said. “She is a player that is willing to go the extra mile. She has a ton of volleyball savvy, and she brings in a play-making ability that is second to none.”

Walseth, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker for Simley High School, had 454 kills, 207 digs and 86 total blocks during her senior year.Walseth averaged an impressive 5.9 kills per set. She posted a career-high 43 kills in Simley’s four-set win over previously unbeaten Hill-Murray on Sept. 29. The performance earned KARE-11 Athlete of the Week honors. Walseth led Simley to a 20-7 mark in 2009. As a junior, she was named St. Paul Pioneer Press All-State honorable mention and was a first-team all-conference selection by the Classic Suburban Conference. She finished as a three-time all-conference player, three-time Pioneer Press Athlete of the Week and was a two-time All-Metro pick.

For her career, Walseth finished with 1,421 kills and 322 blocks. She is Simley's all-time leader in those categories. Walseth is also a member of the Northern Lights Volleyball Club. She was listed on the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s 2009 Watch List for the state of Minnesota.

“Natalie brings with her a winner’s mentality,” Houk said. “She has been part of a club team that has won a national championship, and placed second another year. She knows how to work hard, and has the desire to be the best. She will do whatever it takes to make sure this program continues its winning ways.”