WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL 2023 SCHEDULE
Winona State vs. Northern State
AUGUST SUN - 27 THU - 31
Saturday, Nov. 4 | 4:00 pm
WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE MICHIGAN TECH
4PM W, 3-2
SEPTEMBER FRI - 1 SAT - 2 SAT -2 FRI - 8 FRI - 8 SAT - 9 SAT - 9 THU - 14 SAT - 16 THU - 21 SAT - 23 FRI - 29 SAT - 30
HILLDALE COLLEGE LAKE SUPERIOR STATE NORTHWOOD WESTMINSTER COLLEGE @ WISCONSIN PARKSIDE TRUMAN STATE PURDUE NORTHWEST SIOUX FALLS* @ MINNESOTA STATE * AUGUSTANA* @ CONCORDIAN ST. PAUL* @ NORTHERN STATE * @ MINN STATE MOORHEAD*
W, 3-2 W, 3-2 W, 3-1 W, 3-0 W, 3-1 W, 3-1 L, 3-2 W, 3-1 W, 3-1 W, 3-1 L, 3-0 L, 3-0 W, 3-0
OCTOBER TUE - 3 FRI - 6 SAT - 7 TUE - 10 SAT - 14 FRI - 20 SAT - 21 WED - 25 SAT - 28
@ WAYNE STATE* MINOT STATE* MARY* @ UPPER IOWA SOUTHWEST MINN STATE* @ MINNESOTA CROOKSTON* @ BEMIDJI STATE* MINNESOTA DULUTH* ST. CLOUD STATE*
L, 3-1 W, 3-0 W, 3-0 W, 3-0 L, 3-0 W, 3-0 W, 3-0 L, 3-1 L, 3-2
MINN STATE MOORHEAD* NORTHERN STATE* @ SOUTHWEST MN STATE @ SIOUX FALLS NSIC TOURNAMENT
MEDIA INFORMATION WATCH: NSIC NETWORK LIVESTATS: WINONASTATEWARRIORS.COM
A Run For Their Money Saturday afternoon Winona State gave St. Cloud State a run for their money right out of the gate. The Warriors made it clear that they were ready to make a statement. With some help from Gianna Vollrath, Lydia Lange, Taylor Pagel, and Kenna Kornely, WSU was able to rack up 53 team kills. The help from those four and a few others was not enough to push the Warriors over the Huskies in set 5. Winona State dropped set 5 15-9 after an intense and well fought battle against St. Cloud.
vs. the Dragons
NOVEMBER FRI - 3 SAT - 4 FRI - 10 SAT - 11 THU - 16
vs
W, 3-1 4PM 7PM 2PM TBD
Winona State goes into competition against Minnesota State Moorhead with a 15-5 record over the last 20 matchups. WSU went 3-0 in there matchup against the Dragons earlier this season up in Moorhead. The last time the Warriors lost against MSUM was in 2013 with both of their meet ups that season. Vs. the Wolves The Warriors will be home against Northern State on Nov 4 for their second time this season. WSU will be on the road on Nov 10 at Southwest Minnesota State and Nov 11 at the University of Sioux Falls. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Tournament will begin Nov 16. Time and location to be determined for the tournament.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL # NAME POS. HT. 1 Anna Hennessy DS 5-8 2 Jaci Winchell S/DS 5-7 3 Kenna Kornely OH/DS 5-9 4 Rylee Vaughn DS 5-6 5 Jayda Berg RS 6-3 6 Rayliene Joens RS 6-1 7 Abigail Savatski MH 6-1 8 Gianna Vollrath MB 6-0 9 Lydia Lange MB 6-1 10 Quinn Robak OH 6-0 12 Kylie Welch OH 5-8 13 Ashlyn Steding S 6-0 19 Sophia Armstrong MB 5-11 21 Sidney Paulson MB 5-10 22 Taylor Pagel MB 6-1
Coaching Staff Head Coach: Joe Getzin Assistant Coach: Kristine Fisch Assistant Coach: Jackie Kiecker Assistant Coach: Mara Quam
YR. So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr.
HOMETOWN Lewiston, Minn. Cannon Falls, Minn. Burlington, Wis. Oconomowoc, Wis. Coon Valley, Wis. Elkhorn, Neb. North Prairie, Wis. Fall Creek, Wis. Caledonia, Minn. Clarkston, Mich. Davenport, Iowa Victoria, Minn. West Burlington, Iowa Jackson, Wis. Wausau, Wis.
PREVIOUS SCHOOL Lewiston-Altura HS Cannon Falls HS Burlington HS Lake Country Lutheran Westby Area Elkhorn HS Mukwonago Fall Creek HS Caledonia HS Lady of the Lakes Davenport HS Chanhassen HS West Burlington West Bend West HS Wausau East HS
NORTHERN STATE VOLLEYBALL
Building strong communities with you. At Merchants Bank, we’re committed to creating thriving communities and helping our customers succeed. We’ll be with you every step of the way as we work toward your financial goals together, whether that’s growing a business, buying a home or planning for retirement. We wish the Winona State Warriors a great season. Enjoy the game!
Let’s dream together.
Business | Mortgage | Personal | Wealth Management Winona - Downtown (507) 457-1184
Winona - Goodview (507) 457-1121
Winona - Lakeside (507) 457-9309
Member FDIC Loans subject to approval.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL
LET US DO THE COOKING! 507.452.3150 WWW.STEAKSHOPCATERING.COM
ADVANCING HUMAN PERFORMANCE
EDDIE HODGES
M.S., CSCS, USAW, MMAFX, FMS, GETFAST
FIRST 2 SESSIONS ARE FREE!
JO
W O N IN
R O G IN L L A Y B BY C G N PI P O T S ITY L I C FA R U O
“COME TRAIN WITH THE BEST SPORT PERFORMANCE COACHES IN THE BUSINESS. WE HAVE A FULL SCALE WEIGHTROOM, INDOOR TURF, AND A RECOVERY ROOM FULL OF TECHNOLOGY THE PROS USE TO GET BACK TO THE GAME FASTER AND HEALTHIER.”
SERVICES PROVIDED STRENGTH TRAINING SPEED TRAINING SPORTS NUTRITION RETURN TO SPORT TRAINING SPORTS RECOVERY OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING
OFFICAL SPONSER FOR WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.THREERIVERSPERFORM.COM
608-782-3441 LA CROSSE, WI
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL
Full Time • Part Time • Flexible Hours • Great Bene Scan this QR Code for Job Openings, Descriptions and to Apply! or go to https://jobs.lever.co/fanatics Choose Location, Minnesota - Winona
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL: LAST TIMEOUT Winona State volleyball stretches No. 9 St. Cloud State to 5 sets, falling 3-2 The opening set was indicative of how the afternoon would play out in McCown Gymnasium, as the two teams traded points and leads throughout the first frame. A kill by Gianna Vollrath contributed to a bright start for WSU as they established a 6-1 lead. SCSU slowly chipped away at the Warrior advantage, tying the set at 9-9 and moving into a threepoint lead at 17-14. WSU battled back, thanks in part to a pair of assists by Sidney Paulson and a kill by Lydia Lange. However, SCSU would eventually claim two of the final three points for a narrow 25-22 set one win over WSU. In the second stanza, Winona State strung together an impressive run of points, including a five-point strech to claim a 12-7 lead midway through the set. Rylee Vaughn racked up a service ace and Taylor Pagel delivered a kill in the momentum-shifting moment for the Warriors. WSU would go on to claim their first set victory of the day at 25-17, with Kenna Kornely claiming kill off an assist by Jaci Winchell. The third set saw SCSU turn the tables on the Warriors, producing a series of point streaks to win 25-21. The Huskies had a slow start with a pair of Gianna Vollrath kills staking WSU to a 2-1 early lead, but the Huskies reeled off five straight points to take a 10-7 lead and then used a four-point run to reach a 20-14 advantage. Despite a kill by Jayda Berg, a Kornely service ace, and two late kills by Lydia Lange, St. Cloud State went on to win set three 25-21. In the fourth frame, the McCown crowd energized the Warriors, helping WSU see to several small runs and earn a 25-22 win. Taylor Pagel and Lydia Lange combined for a handful of kills early on and Jaci Winchell, normally the provider for her Warrior teammates, racked up a kill of her own midway through the set. After SCSU rallied to tie the set at 22-22, Lydia Lange helped close out the 25-22 Winona State set victory. The fifth and final set saw St. Cloud State establish a 11-5 lead early on. The Huskies only allowed one multi-point run for WSU in that time, with Jayda Berg notching back-to-back kills to tie the set at 2-2, following a SCSU 2-0 lead. The Huskies would go on to win four of the final six points, and despite a kill by Gianna Vollrath off a Jaci Winchell assist, Winona State would drop the fifth set 15-9, and the subsequently the match, 3-2.
507-452-3100 | russellcpa.firm.com
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL: STATISTICS
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL: JOE GETZIN Joe Getzin Career Totals Year
School
W-L
1996 Embry-Riddle 10-10 1997 Embry-Riddle 10-11 1998 Embry-Riddle 11-11 1999 Portland 4-28 2002 Ole Miss 11-17 2003 Ole Miss 7-24 2004 Ole Miss 10-18 2005 Ole Miss 7-22 2006 Ole Miss 19-13 2007 Ole Miss 25-8 2008 Ole Miss 14-15 2009 Ole Miss 10-20 2010 Ole Miss 19-11 2011 Ole Miss 11-17 2012 Ole Miss 12-17 2013 Ole Miss 14-17 2014 Winona State 19-8 2015 Winona State 20-10 2016 Winona State 27-6 2017 Winona State 21-8 2018 Winona State 13-15 2019 Winona State 21-8 2021 Winona State 28-5 2022 Winona Sate 12-15 Overall 355-334 Winona State 161-75 NSIC 109-58
Seasons as Head Coach: 25 Seasons at Winona State: 9th season Record at Winona State: 161-75 (.713) Hometown: Oak Creek, Wisconsin College: George Williams College, 1986 (B.S. Physical Education)
Joe Getzin was introduced as the Winona State volleyball coach on February 12, 2014, becoming a Warrior after spending the previous 12 seasons as the head volleyball coach at NCAA Division I Ole Miss. The 2022 WSU season saw the Warriors battle through the always-tough NSIC campaign, ultimately finishing with a 12-15 overall mark and 8-12 league record. Under Getzin, Winona State was 5-5 at home and earned a 4-3 mark in neutral site contests including a victory over nationally-ranked Oklahoma Baptist on August 27, a 3-1 Warrior win. Getzin also reached and then surpassed the 350-win mark as a head coach midway through the season. Heading into the 2023 fall season, Getzin is No. 1 all-time at Winona State in winning percentage (.682) and second all-time in seasons at the school (8), wins (161), and matches coached (236). In 2021, Getzin led Winona State to one of the best seasons ever in Warrior volleyball history. WSU racked up a 28-5 overall record and earned runner up status in both the NSIC regular season and the NSIC Volleyball Tournament. The Warriors' success in one of the toughest leagues in the country was rewarded with an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II tournament. Winona State continued their success in the classroom as well, earning their 16th consecutive American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) team academic award. The 2019 Winona State campaign saw Getzin lead his team to a 21-8 overall record and a 13-7 mark in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NISC) action. The Warriors advanced to the 2019 NSIC Tournament, eventually falling to Concordia - St. Paul, the eventual tournament champion. Following the 2019 season, Getzin saw Warrior standout Megan Flom earn American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American honors, one of just three WSU volleyball players ever named to the AVCA All-American list while compete in the NCAA ranks. Flom was also named to the 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-American team in volleyball, the first CoSIDA volleyball honoree in WSU history. In 2018, Getzin notched his 100th win at Winona State, becoming the fastest coach in program history to reach the milestone. The Warriors finished 13-15 (10-10 NSIC) with a young roster that notched three conference wins over teams ranked or receiving votes in the AVCA Top 25. It marked the fifth straight season under Getzin that WSU went at least .500 in the ultracompetitive NSIC – a feat that had not been accomplished in more than two consecutive years prior to his arrival.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL: JOE GETZIN The Warriors posted their third-straight 20-win season in 2017, an accomplishment that had only been achieved over one over span in program history (1986-88). Winona State went 21-8 (15-5 NSIC) with an undefeated regular season road record. Despite being ranked within the AVCA Top 25 all year, the Warriors' hopes of reaching the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season was denied as Winona State fell just outside the regional bubble. Seniors McKenna Larsen and Danielle Rampart each earned AVCA All-American honorable mention nods. The 2016 campaign was historic for Winona State as the Warriors reached the NCAA Division II Regional for the first time in program history. WSU went 27-6 overall (the most wins since 1990) and 16-4 in the highlycompetitive NSIC. Junior setter McKenna Larsen became the team's firstever NCAA DII All-American, earning honorable mention recognition from the AVCA. Upon completing his first season, Getzin helped lead the Warriors to one of their most successful years in program history. The Warriors finished 2014 with a 19-8 record and a 14-6 record in NSIC play, finishing fifth in the conference. As a program, the Warriors have performed just as remarkably in the classroom under Getzin, having earned the AVCA Team Academic Award each year he has been head coach. Before coming to WSU, Getzin spent 12 seasons as the head coach at Ole Miss, taking a program stuck at the bottom of the SEC and leading it to three appearances in the NCAA Tournament. An outstanding recruiter and in-game coach, Getzin was named the SEC Coach of the Year in both 2006 and 2007. Getzin earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Ill. in 1986. Getzin and his wife Andrea have two children, Sara Rose and Erin Elizabeth.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL: COACHES Fisch joined the Warriors as assistant coach prior to the start of the 2019 campaign. Fisch is originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming. A four-year member of the volleyball team at the University of Sioux Falls, Fisch earned NSIC AllAcademic honors twice in her career. After completing her undergraduate degree, she remained at Sioux Falls to earn her MBA while serving as the Cougars’ graduate assistant coach from 201517. Prior to arriving at Winona State, Fisch coached the 16 National Program at Capital Volleyball Academy in Madison, Wisconsin. She also spent time as the Assistant Club Director/Recruiting Coordinator at the Sanford Pentagon Volleyball Academy from 2013-17 and coached at the Sioux Falls Central Volleyball Club from 2009-13. Fisch and husband Drew Pelky recently welcomed Michael Pelky to Warrior nation.
Jackie Kiecker joined the Winona State University volleyball staff in August, 2022. Kiecker joins the Warriors following a eight-year run at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, serving as the Cardinals assistant coach from 2013-2017 and head coach from 2017-2021. Prior to her time at Saint Mary's, Kiecker was an assistant coach at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa from 2011-2013. Kiecker played volleyball at Ole Miss, earning SEC all-freshman status in 2008. Kiecker graduated from Ole Miss in 2011.
Mara Quam joined the Winona State University volleyball coaching staff in August, 2022. Quam comes to Winona State having played five seasons at NSIC member Minnesota State, Mankato, where she played the libero for the Mavericks. While at MSU, Quam was a two-time All-NSIC performer. The Kenyon, Minn. native earned a bachelor's degree in sport management with a minor in marketing. In high school, Quam earned all-state honors in volleyball, basketball, as well as track and field.
JOIN TODAY!
the cts you want & Get the produ great h — it d w sanllee eu yo ic rv se y g lo o techn er fees! rates and low
526 Orrin St • Winona, MN 507-454-3365 • 800-755-0055 • www.altra.org Federally insured by NCUA.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL: NSIC OUTLOOK The 2023 Winona State University volleyball season is set to be underway, with WSU sitting ninth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced this week. The NSIC has named Sidney Paulson as the WSU Player to Watch for the Warriors this upcoming season. Winona State will look to continue its winning culture under head coach Joe Getzin after coming up just short of making an appearance in the NSIC 2022 Conference Tournament. WSU finished tied for ninth in the 2022 conference standings with Upper Iowa University. The Warriors look to continue to grow and compete at a high level this coming season. Head coach Joe Getzin states, “We have a young but veteran team returning who has grown substantially since last season. With the addition of five talented freshmen, we look to build on last spring’s success.” One of the returning veterans helping lead the 2023 campaign is the Preseason NSIC Player to Watch. Paulson, a senior from Jackson, Wis., had made 27 match appearances in a breakout 2022 campaign. Paulson finished 11th in the NSIC in kills/set (3.25) and 16th in total kills (309). Additional key contributors to watch this 2023 season alongside Paulson would be setter/defensive specialist Jaci Winchell, a sophomore from Cannon Falls, Minn, who has 909 assists in her debut season as a Warrior. Taylor Pagel and Lydia Lange are two other key standouts the Warriors look to utilize in their 2023 campaign. Pagel played and started in 27 of the matches in the 2022 season, and Lange factored in 22 of the 27 matches. The 2022 season was a milestone for head coach Joe Getzin, as he surpassed the 350win mark mid-season as the Warriors' mentor. Getzin was assisted by Kristine Frisch, Jackie Kiecker, and Mara Quam in their 2022 season and will be looking forward to having all three assistant coaches returning for their 2023 campaign. Winona State is currently 7-1 after back-to-back weekends on the road, first going out to Michigan to face Michigan Technological University, winning 3-2, as well as competing in the Northern Michigan University UP Open, coming out 3-0. The following weekend the Warriors traveled to Kenosha, Wis. where WSU went 3-1 on the weekend with their only lose to Purdue Northwest.
Warriors will travel to Mankato, Minn. on Saturday Sept. 16th to face longtime rival Minnesota State- Mankato at 2pm. WSU will then be back home on Sept. 21st to take on Augustana at 6pm in McCown Gymnasium on WNB Finacial Court.
2023 NSIC Volleyball Rankings 1. Wayne State 14-0 2. Concordia St. Paul 12-2 3. Southwest Minn. State12-2 4. St. Cloud State 10-4 5. Northern State 9-5 6. Winona State. 8-6 7. Minnesota Duluth 8-6 8. Minnesota State 7-7 9. Sioux Falls 7-7 10. Augustana 6-8 11. Bemidji State 5-9 12. MSU Moorhead 3-11 13. UMary 2-12 14. Minnesota Crookston 1-13 15. Minot State 1-13
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL: NSIC HONORS
Sidney Paulson: NSIC Player to Watch
Sidney Paulson appeared in 27 matches in the 2022 season and is was ranked 10th in the NSIC for points with 360.5. Paulson is also ranked 11th in the NSIC for kills with 309. Paulson is 4th on the team for assists having 28and 2nd on the team for aces with 24 as well as digs with 282. Sidney also has 54 blocks and 53 block assists. Head coach Joe Getzin on Paulson: “Sidney is a six rotation player for us, who leads the team both on and off the court. She is a 4.0 student in Composite Engineering. Sidney is also part of our leadership council. She leads by her hard work ethic. Her presence on the court makes us a better team.”
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
VOLLEYBALL WSU earns 16th consecutive AVCA Team Academic award TThe Winona State University volleyball team has been tabbed for American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) team academic honors for an outstanding collective performance in the classroom, as announced recently. The award, initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.30 on a 4.0 scale. Winona State has earned the AVCA Team Academic Award in each of Joe Getzin's nine seasons as the head coach of the Warriors. With the 2022-23 honor, the Warriors have claimed the award 17 consecutive years and have been tabbed 20 times overall as a program. The 1996-97 Winona State squad earned the first AVCA team honor and the current annual streak began with the 2006-07 Warrior team.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION
Ken Janz
The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Kenneth Janz to serve as interim president of Winona State University. The appointment becomes effective August 1, 2023.
Interim President
“Ken Janz is well regarded by faculty and leadership and has garnered the respect and trust of the broader Winona State University community during his time at WSU,” said Devinder Malhotra, chancellor of Minnesota State. “Both Chancellor Designate Olson and I are confident that he will provide effective and strong leadership to the university through this transition period.” Dr. Janz has served WSU since 2008 as associate vice president for Academic Affairs and CIO and added the role of dean of the library in 2015. In these roles, he provides leadership and vision for the planning and implementation of information services that support the teaching, learning, and research mission of the University and leads strategic planning efforts by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students. Previous appointments include serving Indiana State University as the director of the Center for Instruction, Research, and Technology from 2003 to 2008, and as the director of information technology — College of Education from 1998 to 2003. He holds bachelor’s degrees from Dickinson State University (ND), a master’s from North Dakota State University, and a doctorate from Indiana State University. Janz succeeds Scott Olson, who has served as president of Winona State University since 2012 and recently accepted an appointment to serve as the chancellor of Minnesota State. The search for a permanent president of WSU will be launched in the fall. About Winona State University Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers more than 200 majors and programs in five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering. More than half of WSU’s 6,000-plus students are Minnesota residents, and the university also hosts international students from 42 countries. Winona State University’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION Director of Athletics, Eric Schoh Eric Schoh started with the Warriors on June 11, 2012. He has almost three decades of athletics experience in Division II, 17 as an athletic director in the NSIC, and is in his tenth year as the director of athletics at Winona State. During his time as an AD, Schoh served on the Division II Management Council from 2016-2020, serving as Vice Chair of the Council in 2018. Also, during that time he served on the DII Identity Subcommittee and acted as chairperson in 2019. Other NCAA committee involvement included the Championships Committee, Planning and Finance, DII Administrative Committee, DII Membership Committee, and the DII Committee for Legislative Relief. With a strong commitment to the student-athlete experience, Warrior student-athletes have continued to excel in the classroom and give back to the Winona area through community service. During spring 2021, the average student-athlete term GPA was 3.43 (compared to 3.28 for the general student body) and the second highest on record. The average student athlete's cumulative GPA through spring 2021 was 3.37 (compared to 3.22 for the general student body). There were 101 Warriors with perfect 4.0 GPAs in spring 2021, with 196 making the Dean’s List. The latest NCAA Federal Graduation Rate for the Warriors is 78%, which ranks first in the NSIC and 22nd out of 316 institutions in Division II. During the pandemic, the community service hours for the Warriors decreased dramatically. However, normally the Warriors log more than 3,000 hours of community service each academic year. Over the past nine years, Warrior Athletic facilities have seen many improvements, including a complete renovation of McCown Gymnasium; installation of new turf and state-of-the-art video board at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium; construction of a new gymnastics practice facility and locker room; an indoor training facility for men’s and women’s golf; new batting cages and practice mounds at softball; new infield, mound and scoreboard at baseball; complete renovation of Talbot Gymnasium, including a multipurpose synthetic floor; remodeled W Room for home volleyball and basketball games; and the installation of a film room for all teams. A comprehensive facility master plan for Warrior Athletics was completed in 2017 and the department continues to make strides toward completing the facilities outlined in the master plan. In the field of play, the Warriors continue to be known as a conference, regional, and national contender, winning numerous regular season and conference championships over the past nine years. Several teams have advanced to NCAA post-season play during Schoh’s tenure as well, including football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, track and field, softball, gymnastics, men’s golf, and women’s golf. WSU hosted a football playoff game in 2017 and women’s softball regionals in 2014 and 2017. Schoh served as athletic director at Wayne State College from 2004-12. At Wayne State, Schoh helped build Wildcat Athletics into a consistent presence on both the regional and national levels. Wayne State won 13 NSIC regular season championships and six more conference tournament titles. The WSC women’s basketball team advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2012 and ended the season ranked fourth in the nation. More than 20 teams advanced to NCAA Tournament play under Schoh’s leadership. A native of La Crescent, Minn., Schoh holds both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University. Schoh also has worked as the Associate Athletic Director for Development at California State University, Bakersfield (2002-04); the Associate Athletic Director at the University of South Dakota (1999-2002); and as an Assistant Athletic Director at Montana State University, Billings (1995-97). Schoh and his wife Stephanie have three children and one grandson: Paige (31) and River (5), Eric (26) and Tyler (25).
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION Melanie was named Associate Athletic Director on May 17, 2018 and assumed her new role with the Warriors in July. In August, 2023, Brunsdon was elevated to Deputy Athletic Director at WSU. Previously, Brunsdon spent the past five years as the Assistant Athletic Director at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky where she oversaw compliance along with direct supervision over the men's and women's golf programs. At Bellarmine, she was a member and chair of the Staff Council, served on the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee and the Title IX Committee. Brunsdon is also a member of the National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC) Division II Committee. Prior to her time at Bellarmine, she served as the Associate Athletic Director/Director of Compliance at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois from 2012-13. Brunsdon's connection with the NSIC includes roles as the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Life/Senior Woman Administrator at Minot State University from 2009-12 and serving as the Director of Athletic Recruiting at Upper Iowa University from 2008-09. Brunsdon earned a pair of bachelor's degrees in sport management (with a coaching endorsement) and psychology at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. The Brandon, Wisconsin native will reside in Winona with her husband, Paul, daughter, Madeline, and twin boys, Cade and Graham.
Jill Bratberg is the Assistant Athletic Director for Development and has been part of WSU Athletics since 2012. She is responsible for securing corporate partnerships for Warrior Athletics and is also in charge of coordinating large events within the department, such as the Winona State Athletic Hall of Fame banquet, Scholarship Night Fundraiser, and the Warrior Club Golf Classic. She also assists with ticketing and serves as the department's liaison to the Warrior Club. She grew up in Winona and graduated from University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a degree in Sports Management in 1990. A former tennis student-athlete at UW-L and was inducted into the WIAC Century All-Time Women’s Team in 2012 and inducted into the UW – La Crosse Wall of Fame in 2014. Jill and her family live in Trempealeau, WI.
Bree Larsen is entering her seventh year as the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at Winona State University in 2021-2022. Larsen is responsible for all aspects of compliance within the WSU’s athletic program. Her main responsibilities include developing procedures and policies to monitor and ensure compliance with all NCAA and NSIC rules and regulations, verify student eligibility to participate in university athletics and process all student-athlete scholarships. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, earning her Bachelor of Science in exercise sport science/physical education teaching in 2003. She then earned her Master of Science in sport management from Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Georgia in 2005. Larsen lives in Winona with her husband Corey, a former WSU student-athlete, their three sons, Riley, Logan, Colt and daughter Annabelle.
WARRIOR
Fuel Your Inner When You Dine With Chartwells!
Enjoy these national brands right here on campus! Cash and credit accepted. Lower level of Kryzsko Commons
Somsen Cafe
Krueger Library
PROUD SPONSOR OF WSU ATHLETICS and your game day concessions provider
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION Joey Mueller joined the Warrior Athletics staff in August 2021 as an Assistant Athletic Communications Director. He currently serves as the Events and Ticketing Coordinator for the Warriors. The Hutchinson, Minnesota native earned his BA in Mathematics Education from Bethel University in 2021. At Bethel, Mueller competed on the men’s tennis team, was a student assistant coach for the Bethel women’s basketball team, and served as a member on Bethel’s StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Mueller graduated with a master’s degree in Leadership Education: Sports Management in 2023.
Justin Loehr is the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services and has been part of WSU Athletics since 2008. He grew up in Onalaska, Wisconsin and then, after two years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduated with highest honors from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with degrees in History and Political Science in 2007. Loehr then earned a Master’s degree in Education: Student Affairs Administration Emphasis, also from UW-L, in 2009. His experiences in Student Affairs are vast and include stops in Admissions, Advising, New Student Orientation, Student Activities, Career Counseling, Residence Life, and Classroom Instruction. Justin lives in La Crosse, Wis. with his wife, Ginny, and their daughters, Ava, Hattie and their son, Louis.
Danica Perner started as the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services at Winona State in July of 2018. She previously served as the Student-Athlete Services Learning Specialist at WSU from 2017-2018. A native of Spencer, Wisconsin, Danica graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse in May 2017. While at UW- La Crosse, she was a member of the volleyball team, as well as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Danica earned her Master of Science degree in Leadership Education: Sport Management from Winona State in May 2018. Danica lives in Galesville, Wis. with her husband, Jake, their son, Jaxon, and dog, Riggins.
Dr. Jason Kight, associate professor of business administration, was named the new faculty athletic representative (FAR) at Winona State University in July, 2023. Kight's main role as FAR is to serve as a liaison between the athletics department and the faculty while also representing the institution in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), and NCAA affairs. The purpose of the FAR is to ensure that Winona State establishes and maintains the appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics. Kight will take over the FAR role from Dr. Kara Lindaman and assumed his duties on July 15. Kight's research interests include Social Media and Privacy Law, Safety and Healthcare Law, and Sports Law. A bearer of bachelor's degrees from Rockford College, Kight earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Law, a Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Eastern Illinois University, and a Masters of Science in Sports Management (M.S.S.M) from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION Pete Watkins joined the Winona State University Athletic Department as the Director of Athletic Communications in the spring of 2020. A resident of Winona since 2011, Watkins brings over 25 years of experience within college athletics to the Warrior staff. Between 2016 and 2020, Watkins served the Minnesota State Colleges and University system as the executive director of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC). Prior to his work with the MCAC, Watkins was a college soccer coach and instructor in sports management at four different NCAA institutions before retiring from coaching and teaching in 2016. Watkins completed his college coaching career with an overall record of 158-140-31, garnered across both genders and all three NCAA levels. Watkins is a professional member of CoSIDA, the College Sports Information Directors of America, as well as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Watkins earned his bachelor's degree from MacMurray College and his master's degree from Aurora University. Watkins earned All-SLIAC and Adidas Academic All-America honors in men’s soccer at MacMurray. Watkins and his wife Laura have three children; Campbell, Mae, and Seth, and the family resides in Winona.
Luke Martens joined the Athletic Communications staff in June of 2023. Martens will be assisting with all aspects of Warrior sports information, digital communications, and gameday management. Martens is a former Winona State men's basketball standout for the Warriors, competing for WSU between 2018-2023. The Apple Valley, Minn. product also competed in football in high school and was one of the top rebounders in the NSIC in the 2022-23 season.
Maria Averbeck joined the Warrior Communications team in June of 2023. Averbeck will be assisting with all aspects of Warrior sports information, digital communications, and gameday management. Averbeck comes to Winona State from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota where she worked in Residential Life. As an undergraduate at SMU, Averbeck competed in softball for the Cardinals between 2016 and 2019. Averbeck played softball, and basketball, at Lewiston - Altura High School and soccer at St. Charles High School.