Hometown Hero Returns for National Championship Stage
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recently played host to a monumental event in collegiate athletics: the Division II Volleyball National Championship. Amidst the roar of the crowd and the intensity of elite competition, a familiar face from the local scene stepped onto the court. Kaelyn Snoozy, a standout athlete who honed her skills at Washington High School, returned to her hometown not just as a spectator, but as a key player for Concordia-St. Paul. Her freshman season has been a whirlwind, culminating in an opportunity for national title glory right in her own backyard.
“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.”
Snoozy, an outside hitter, quickly established herself as a vital contributor for the Golden Bears. She started in 27 of the 32 matches she participated in, playing a crucial role as Concordia-St. Paul vied for its tenth national championship title. The team demonstrated remarkable resilience and dominance throughout the season, entering the championship match having won 20 of their last 21 contests.
Her impact on the court was not lost on her teammates. Senior libero Cassie Sieling commented on Snoozy’s tenacity and performance under pressure: “She just kept battling at practice and basically earned that spot. So, I think she did pretty well handling the pressure and just still being aggressive and just swinging no matter what.”
Sophomore outside hitter/right side Makenna Nold echoed these sentiments, highlighting the immense pressure of Snoozy’s immediate impact: “First year playing college volleyball and she got put on a big stage right away, that’s a lot of pressure. 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 Championship Run Falls Just Short
Despite a remarkable season and a strong showing, Snoozy and the Golden Bears’ quest for a national championship ultimately fell one victory short. They faced a formidable opponent in MSU Denver in the championship match, ultimately being defeated in four sets. The sting of the loss is palpable, but Snoozy and her teammates are already looking ahead, vowing to use the experience as a catalyst for future success.
“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 journey. “I think next year we use this as motivation and have a little fire under us.”
The Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears concluded their impressive season with an overall record of 31-6. While the national title eluded them this year, Snoozy’s debut season has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by significant individual achievement and a taste of the highest level of collegiate competition. Her return to Sioux Falls for the championship was a testament to her dedication and talent, leaving a lasting impression on her hometown and setting a promising trajectory for her collegiate career. The experience gained on this national stage, coupled with the motivation derived from a near-perfect season, is sure to fuel the Golden Bears’ ambitions for the seasons to come.
