Hometown Heroine Returns: Sioux Falls Native Shines on National Volleyball Stage
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recently played host to a pinnacle event in collegiate athletics: the Division II volleyball national championship. Amidst the fierce competition and the roar of the crowd, a familiar face graced the court – Kaelyn Snoozy, a Sioux Falls native who brought her impressive talents back to her hometown for a chance at national glory.
Snoozy, a standout athlete who honed her skills at Washington High School, continued her volleyball journey at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP). Her freshman season presented an extraordinary opportunity: to compete for a national title on the very courts where her athletic dreams first took root.
“To have it here my freshman year and get the opportunity to play on the court with some of the most amazing girls in the entire world is insane,” Snoozy shared, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and gratitude. “I’m so thankful for every single moment.”
As an outside hitter for the Golden Bears, Snoozy quickly established herself as a vital contributor. She started in 27 of the 32 matches she played, playing a significant role in CSP’s quest for their tenth national championship title. The team demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, entering the championship match having won an impressive 20 of their last 21 contests.
Her dedication and performance did not go unnoticed by her teammates. Cassie Sieling, a senior libero for Concordia-St. Paul, praised Snoozy’s tenacity. “She just kept battling at practice and basically earned that spot,” Sieling remarked. “So, I think she did pretty well handling the pressure and just still being aggressive and just swinging no matter what.”
Makenna Nold, a sophomore outside hitter/right side for the Golden Bears, echoed Sieling’s sentiments, highlighting the immense pressure of competing at such a high level as a freshman. “First year playing college volleyball and she got put on a big stage right away, that’s a lot of pressure,” Nold observed. “I think she had a very well. She has really good energy on the court. I think she has such a high ceiling, and she can just keep getting better and better.”
A Season of Promise and a Glimpse of the Future
Despite a stellar season, Snoozy and the Golden Bears fell just short of their ultimate goal, losing to MSU Denver in a hard-fought four-set championship match. The sting of defeat, however, is already being channeled into motivation for the future.
“We had one heck of a season and I’m so proud to come this far to the national championship,” Snoozy stated, reflecting on the team’s accomplishments. “I think next year we use this as motivation and have a little fire under us.” This sentiment underscores the team’s commitment to learning from the experience and returning stronger.
The Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears concluded their remarkable season with an impressive overall record of 31-6. While the national championship title eluded them this year, the experience has undoubtedly forged a stronger bond within the team and provided invaluable lessons for Snoozy and her teammates as they look ahead to future seasons. The presence of a local talent like Snoozy on such a prominent national stage also served as an inspiration to the Sioux Falls community, showcasing the heights that dedication and hard work can achieve.
