VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakota volleyball team will not only see eight new freshmen on the sidelines next year but they will also add two new coaches to the staff.

The Coyotes will welcome Leanne Felsing as a graduate assistant coach and former USD volleyball player Amber Kobus as a student assistant coach.

Felsing will be a great addition to the coaching staff as she has had much success as a student-athlete and been part of a successful program in the past. Felsing comes to USD after a decorated playing career at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2004-07.

Felsing put together one of the best all-around seasons in UWM history in 2007, leading the nation in triple-doubles while earning AVCA All-Region and honorable mention All-America honors for a second-straight season. Felsing finished her career with 1,146 kills, 1,329 digs and 2,264 assists while also helping the Panthers to four regular-season league titles. She was also a two-time national player of the week honoree and, earlier in her career, claimed League Newcomer of the Year recognition.

Felsing also excelled in the classroom throughout her career, collecting academic all-league and all-region recognition. Felsing was also named the Horizon League Player of the Year, an All-Horizon League honoree, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selection and Horizon League All-Academic Team.

Felsing, a native of Hartland, Wis. graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in education.

Kobus, who was part of the USD volleyball program for the past four seasons, will bring experience and familiarity to the coaching staff as she will be joining the coaching staff as a student assistant coach.

Kobus had a record setting season last year as a student-athlete with the Coyotes. She helped USD finish with an overall record of 46-13 over the last two seasons as the 23 wins each season marked the most wins in school history. Kobus became the school record holder for career digs as she finished with 2,019. She also finished ranked second in career service aces with 155.

In her career, Kobus earned many accolades as she was named Great West Conference (GWC) Player of the Week three times and was awarded GWC Athlete of the Month honors in 2008. She was a two-time North Central Conference (NCC) Defensive Specialist of the Year as she set the single season record for digs in consecutive season (2006, 2007) with 615 and 616.

Kobus, a native of Columbus, Neb. is pursuing a degree in nursing from the University of South Dakota.

Felsing and Kobus will join head volleyball coach Matt Houk and assistant coach Jerad Galante who will both enter their second seasons at USD.