2022 SEASON PROGRAM | #ROLLHIVE | #YELLOWJACKETSTRONG RCTCYELLOWJACKETS.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/RCTCVOLLEYBALL | @RCTCATHLETICS
VOLLEYBALL FANS... Welcome to Yellowjacket Volleyball! As RCTC’s President, I am eager to see what this season holds for our studentathletes, both on and off the court. RCTC has a reputation for striving to maintain an outstanding athletic program, including setting examples of good sportsmanship, and providing personal growth opportunities for our student-athletes through both academic performance and team experiences. This is accomplished by living our values of being learner-centered, valuing excellence, respect, teamwork, innovation, and, along the way, having a little fun. In addition to our athletic programs, our student-athletes may choose from a variety of other student life activities to assist them in developing their leadership and other life skills. We encourage you to check out what opportunities await you at RCTC by going to www.rctc.edu. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. GO PresidentJefferyYELLOWJACKETS!S.Boyd rctcyellowjackets.com 2022 SCHEDULE AUGUST 8/16 North Iowa Area CC # 3:00 PM OWT INVITE 8/20 vs. Illinois Central College 1:00 PM vs. Harper College 5:00 PM 8/21 vs. College of DuPage 9:00 AM vs. Black Hawk College 6:30 PM 8/24 Anoka-Ramsey CC * ^ 6:30 PM 8/29 @ Minnesota West CTC * ^ 6:30 PM SEPTEMBER 9/7 Western TC * ^ 6:30 PM JACKET INVITE 9/9 vs. Harper College 3:00 PM vs. Northeast CC 7:00 PM 9/10 vs. Bethel JV 11:00 AM vs. Rock Valley College 3:00 PM 9/14 @ Riverland CC * ^ 6:30 PM 9/16 @ Anoka-Ramsey CC * ^ 6:30 PM 9/21 @ Century College * ^ 6:30 PM 9/23 St. Cloud TCC 6:30 PM 9/24 Ridgewater College * ^ 12:00 PM 9/26 @ Viterbo JV 7:00 PM 9/28 @ Ridgewater College * ^ 6:30 PM DMACC TOURNEY 9/30 vs. Ellsworth CC 4:00 PM vs. Des Moines Area CC 6:00 PM OCTOBER 10/5 Western TC * ^ 6:30 PM 10/7 Minnesota State CTC * ^ 6:30 PM 10/8 Minnesota West CTC * ^ 12:00 PM 10/10 Iowa Central CC 6:30 PM 10/12 Riverland CC * ^ 6:30 PM 10/19 Century College * ^ 6:30 PM 10/21 @ St. Cloud TCC * 6:30 PM 10/22 @ Minnesota State CTC * 12:00 PM 10/24 Viterbo JV 6:30 PM 10/28-29 Region Tournament TBA NOVEMBER 11/10 NJCAA National Tournament TBA Bold text denotes home event # exhibition game * denotes conference game ^ denotes division game ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE YELLOWJACKETS
11 Lauren
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Alyvia Eide 5'3" DS Rushford, MN Rushford-Peterson High School Hady 5'9" OH Rochester, MN Mayo High School 5'7" RS Dover, MN Dover-Eyota High School 5'6" OH/DS Dodge Center, MN Triton High School
7
Kylie 5'5" DS Spring Valley, MN Stewartville High School
Bailey Johnson 5'11" MH Adams, MN Southland High School Johnson 5'6" DS Hokah, MN La Crescent High School
6 Sereniti Shumaker
Samantha Matarelli 5'9" OH/RS Carlton, MN Carlton High School
TEAM ROSTER # NAME HEIGHT POS. HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL 1 Alexis Simpson 5'5" OH Caledonia, MN Caledonia High School 2 Kiley Nihart 5'2" L Medford, MN Medford High School 3
16 Eliana Hammann
12
Chelsea Lasker 5'5" S Dodge Center, MN Triton High School
13
4 Kennedy
Smidt
2022 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 1 YELLOWJACKET VOLLEYBALL TEAM
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Triniti Gbala 5'11" MH St. Charles, MN St. Charles High School 5'11" MH Houston, MN Houston High School 5'6" S Lewiston, MN Lewiston - Altura High School
5 Kenzie Mentlick
14 Jennifer Albrecht
SERENITI SHUMAKER is a freshman from Dodge Center, MN and went to Triton High School. Her favorite book series as a child was “Junie B. Jones,” but her favorite book that she read in high school was “The Scarlet Letter.” Her favorite after-game meal is Subway. Her current obsession is her favorite show on Netflix, “Stranger Things.”
ALEXIS SIMPSON is a sophomore from Caledonia, MN where she graduated from Caledonia High School. Her family includes mom Valerie, brother Ja'shon, and sisters Tenya and Kyley. Her favorite movie is “Friday.” Pasta is her favorite food. Alexis’ favorite game is any card game and “Criminal Minds” is her favorite tv show.
KENZIE MENTLICK is a sophomore from Dover-Eyota. Her family is Jenny and Cory. Her favorite book as a kid was “Five Little Monkeys.” Her go-to after-game meal is mac & cheese. She is currently obsessed with the tv shows “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med.” Kenzie is an only child.
Sereniti is the oldest of six siblings. I chose RCTC because I knew it would be close to home. I know most of my friends will be attending RCTC as well. I also chose it because I wanted to continue playing volleyball in college.”
ALYVIA EIDE is a sophomore from Rushford, MN where she won Academic All-State all four years of high school. Aylvia’s family members are Erica Eide, Tyler Eide, and brothers Cashtyn and Cayne. Her favorite book series as a kid was "The Magic Tree House.” Her favorite after-game meal is Chick-fil-A. Her current obsession is traveling. Exercising is Alyvia’s stress reliever. “RCTC is known for their great volleyball program and amazing nursing program!”
SAMANTHA MATARELLI is a freshman from Carlton, MN and Carlton High School. Her favorite books as a kid were the Harry Potter series. Her favorite after-game meal is a cheeseburger. Her current obsession is the show “All-American, but I always go back and watch Friends as well.” Samantha previously went to the University of North Dakota to be a pilot and she can make a horse whinny sound. “I chose RCTC because it was a small size, the town was nice, and everything wasn’t super far away in relation to each other.”
KYLIE SMIDT is a freshman from Spring Valley, MN and went to Stewartville High School. Her family includes parents Gregg and Shannon Smidt, and older brother is Ty Smidt. Her favorite kids book was “Love You Forever.” Kylie’s favorite after game meal is Chipotle. Her current obsession is her French Bulldog. Kylie likes taking notes in school.“ The reason I chose RCTC is because it is close to home.”
KENNEDY HADY is a freshman from Mayo High School in Rochester, MN. When asked about her athletic honors Kennedy said: “I’ve played Mayo volleyball since I was in 7th grade! I was a captain for the last year of my high school career, and I loved every minute of it. Push your teammates and keep them accountable!” Her family includes twin sister Lynnsey, younger brother Hunter, and mom and dad Teri and Steve Hady. Her favorite book as a kid was “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” Her favorite after-game meal is Jimmy Johns #4 no tomatoes, Diet Mountain Dew, and purple skittles. When asked about a current obsession she said, ”Oh goodness, I’m obsessed with the new Kardashians Season 2!” Kennedy burps a lot… When asked why RCTC she said “RCTC just felt like home to me, the girls are all so sweet! I didn’t want to leave home, so this was the perfect fit for me. The coaches are so understanding and awesome, and they really try to connect with each and every player personally, which is great!! ROLLHIVE!”
BAILEY JOHNSON is a freshman from Adams, MN and attended Southland High School. Her family includes Anthony and Nichole Johnson, and siblings Marcus, Brooklyn, and Brianna. Her favorite childhood book series was “Rainbow Magic Fairy.” Her go-to after game meal is pasta and ice cream. Her current obsession is “Greys Anatomy.” Bailey raises teddy bear puppies. She chose RCTC because of the small atmosphere and everyone is super welcoming.
#yellowjacketstrong
MEET THE VOLLEYBALLYELLOWJACKETTEAM
Alexis Simpson Kiley Nihart Alyvia Eide Kennedy Hady Kenzie Mentlick Sereniti Shumaker
KILEY NIHART is a sophomore from Medford, MN. She was named to the MCAC All-Division South Team. Her family members are Katie Nihart, Corey Nihart, and brother Jake Nihart. When asked about her favorite after-game meal she said, “My favorite meal after a game is definitely a ham, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich with cream cheese and siracha! YUM!” Her current obsession is listening to Emma Chamberlain’s “Anything Goes” podcasts or Lexi Hidalgo “Moments” podcast. “I chose RCTC because it wasn’t too far from home, and they have a phenomenal nursing and dental hygiene program. I also loved the small feeling of campus.”
2022 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 2
MEET THE VOLLEYBALLYELLOWJACKETTEAM
JENNIFER ALBRECHT is a sophomore from Houston, MN where she graduated. Her family includes Laurie, Pau, and sisters Becky, Katie, Laura, and Sarah. Her major is nursing. She loves any old Disney movies, “Pocahontas” is her favorite. Her favorite foods are Cheez-its and cheese balls. Mario Cart, volleyball and badminton are her favorite games and “Jersey Shore” and “Greys Anatomy” are her favorite tv shows. Jennifer wants to own a farm and raise a pack of llamas. She chose RCTC to play volleyball and because of the environment and the philosophy of the program.
LAUREN JOHNSON is a freshman from Hokah, MN and graduated from La Crescent-Hokah High School with honors. Her family is Nicki, Jeremy, and brothers Leyton and Lucas. Her favorite childhood book was “The Kissing Hand.” Her favorite after-game meal is tacos. Lauren’s current obsession is “Keeping Up with The Kardashians.” She’s been playing volleyball since second grade!
ELIANA HAMMANN is a sophomore from Lewiston, MN where she went to Lewiston-Altura High School. Her honors include National Honors Society, 2021-2022 President's List, Academic All-Conference and All-State in high school. Her favorite book as a kid was “Because of Winn Dixie.” Her go-to after-game meal is spaghetti. Her current obsession is her dog named, Sampson. She is currently a figure skating coach and competitive skater. She likes to knit and be outdoors. “I choose RCTC because they had a strong volleyball program where I could continue playing volleyball and achieve my academic goals.”
LilyAnna Thompson Team Manager Samantha Matarelli Kylie Smidt Bailey Johnson Lauren Johnson Chelsea Lasker Triniti Gbala
Jennifer Albrecht Eliana Hammann Jacket Nation!
LILYANNA THOMPSON is a sophomore from Triton High School in Dodge Center. Her family members are Alicia Rosenau, Keith Rosenau, sisters Arianna Thompson and Jesenia Thompson, and brother Ryan Rosenau. Her favorite book as a child was Rainbow Fish. Her favorite after-game meal is Chipotle. Her current obsession is the tv show, Yellowstone. LilyAnna is a military kid! She chose RCTC because it keeps her close to home.
ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS | PAGE 3
TRINITI GBALA is a sophomore from St. Charles, MN. Her family includes Erin Gbala and sister Nissi Gbala. Her favorite book series as a kid was “The Hunger Games.” Her favorite after-game meal is gumbo. Her current obsession is, “Greys Anatomy” Triniti was born on 03/03/2003 at 3:03pm! She picked RCTC because it is close to home.
#rollhive
CHELSEA LASKER is a sophomore from Dodge Center, MN and attended Triton High School. She graduated high school with honors and high distinction and was also on the President’s List her first year at RCTC. Freshman year at RCTC, she was part of the South All-Division First Team and the All-MCAC Team. Her family includes Nikki, Mike, sisters Mandy and Lanie, brother Shane, and niece Ellianna. Chelsea’s favorite after-game meal is Caesar salad. Her current obsessions are “Law and Order: SVU” and “Criminal Minds.” Chelsea was born 12 weeks early (at 28 weeks) and was less than three pounds. “The volleyball program is great, while also being close to home, and my friends and family! It was a good fit for me!”
MEET THE YELLOWJACKET VOLLEYBALL COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH JENNIFER NERISON is entering her second year at the helm of the Yellowjackets in 2022. Coach Nerison has been a coach at various levels since 2000. She has most recently served as a coach in the Southern Minnesota Volleyball (SMV) program as a coach in the 18’s division. She has coached in the high school volleyball ranks at both Kenyon-Wanamingo (head coach) for eight years and in Cannon Falls for nine years. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Coach Nerison serves as a special education teacher in the Goodhue County Education District.
ASSISTANT COACH MOLLY KLEIST is entering her first year as an assistant coach for RCTC Yellowjackets. She played for RCTC as a middle and right-side hitter for two years. Coach Kleist has been involved with the game of volleyball for over 10 years and volunteered to coach numerous camps through high school. Coach Kleist coached SMV 12u as a head coach in the 2021-2022 season. She currently works as an assistant teacher at Rochester Montessori School and will continue to be an education major after finishing her Liberal Arts degree in December.
ASSISTANT COACH CHANDA XIONG is entering her fourth nonconsecutive year as an RCTC assistant coach. She played for RCTC as an outside hitter in 2012 and 2013. From there she played and ran the Club Volleyball program at Winona State University from 2014-2018 where she was voted as an AllTournament 1st Team player at Nationals. She has coached at local high schools including Rushford-Peterson for one year and Triton Public School for four years. Coach Xiong also coached at Southern Elite Energy for two years and one year as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Rockies. On top of coaching, she has recently stepped into a new role at RCTC as an Academic and Transitional Advisor.
2022 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 4
ASSISTANT COACH HAILEY HUSETH is entering her first year as an assistant volleyball coach for the Yellowjackets. She played for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls as a setter from 2017-2020. Coach Huseth has previously been a student graduate assistant at UWRF and coached various age levels in club volleyball. In addition to coaching, Coach Huseth is currently a Speech and Language Pathologist in Rochester, MN.
rctcyellowjackets.com
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE YELLOWJACKETS WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL RECORDS2017SEASON STATS Record: 16-15 • 3rd Place – MCAC Conference • Regional Tournament • Sportsmanship Team of the Year 2018 SEASON STATS Record: 24-9 • 3rd Place National Tournament • Region 13A Champions • MCAC Conference Champs • AVCA All-Academic Team • 4th Nationally Ranked (NJCAA Poll) 2019 SEASON STATS Record: 31-4 • 4th Place National Tournament • Region 13A Champs • MCAC Conference Champs • AVCA All-Academic Team INDIVIDUAL – SINGLE MATCH Hitting Terri Fowler ............... 914 ........ 1992 ........... vs. Hibbing Kills Brianna Atkins 34 2014 vs. Ridgewater Setting Assists Darla Erickson 61 1991 vs. NDSCS Amberlee Dunagan 61 2014 vs. Harper Service Aces Kirsten Springer 11 1986 vs. Willmar Traci Robinson 11 1986 vs. Itasca Digs Haley Lenz ................. 40 .......... 2014 ........... vs. Bismarck Blocks Jenny Fisher 13 2001 vs. Bethany Lutheran 10/17/2001 INDIVIDUAL – SEASON TOTAL Hitting Tracy Breuer 410 1979 Kills Brianna Atkins 624 2014 Setting Assists Brekkin McCready 1362 2019 Service Aces Missy Schultz ............. 112 ........ 1988 Digs Natalie Reinardy 586 2014 Blocks Terri Fowler 142 1991 INDIVIDUAL – TWO YEAR TOTAL Hitting Average Tracy Breuer 350 1979-80 Kills Carrie Rutledge ........ 1042 ...... 2018-19 Setting Assists Brekkin McCready .... 2597 ...... 2018-19 Service Aces Terri Fowler 189 1991-92 Digs Haley Lenz 1108 2013-14 Blocks Terri Fowler 182 1991-92 TEAM – SINGLE MATCH Hitting Average vs. Hibbing ............... .535 ....... 2019 Kills vs. NDSCS 71 1991 Setting Assists vs. NDSCS 64 1991 Service Aces vs. Itasca 29 1986 Digs vs. Crookston 128 1987 Blocks vs. Winona 38 1984 PER GAME AVERAGES (AS OF 1991) One Year Two Year Kills Brianna Atkins 5.47 2014 Carrie Rutledge 4.63 2018-19 Setting Brekkin McCready 11.23 2018 Brekkin McCready 11.54 2018-19 Service Amy Schuth 0.61 2001 Amy Schuth 0.44 2000-01 Digs Haley Lenz 5.7 2013 Haley Lenz 5.53 2013-14 Blocks............. Chelsey Ruppercht ......... 1.65 ...... 2004 Jennifer Fisher .................. 0.74 .......... 2000-01 ALL-AMERICANS • Kathy Anderson – 1979 • Andrea Whelan – 1981 • Terri Fowler – 1991, 1992 • Jenni Fisher – 2000 • Rebeccah Fitzgerald – 2008 • Ashley King – 2008 • Marcy Swenson – 2012 (honorable mention) • Taylor Aakre – 2013 • Taylor Aakre – 2013 AVCA All-American • Lindsay Ayers – 2013 • Brianna Atkins – 2014 • Brianna Atkins – 2014 AVCA All-American • Tori Peterson – 2015 • Tori Peterson – 2015 AVCA All-American • Jessica Foster – 2015 (honorable mention) • Ashley Bichel – 2016 • Carrie Rutledge – 2018 (AVCA All-American) • Brekkin McCready – 2019 • Carrie Rutledge – 2019 2021 SEASON STATS Record: 28-0 • Region 13A Runners-Up • NJCAA American Academic Team
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