VERMILLION, S.D. — South Dakota volleyball head coach Leanne Williamson is pleased to announce the addition of five student-athletes, Ava Ball, Kate Holthaus, Cate Legel, Ella Rogers and Sierra Pokharel to the 2025 roster.
 
"This is an exciting recruiting class for us, and we are excited to welcome them to the Coyote family! This group is made up of individuals who will fit seamlessly into our culture on the court, in the classroom and in the community," said Williamson. "They are competitive players who are excited to help Coyote Volleyball continue to reach new heights!  I know Coyote nation is going to love getting to know this group of student-athletes!"
 
Ava Ball | Outside Hitter | Saint Paul, Minn. | Nova Classical Academy
The three-time All-State player, Ava Ball, finished her career as a Knight with over 2,000 career kills, over 1,500 digs and was named a team captain twice. She is ranked as the No. 7 recruit out of the state of Minnesota by Prep Dig. Ball was the state of Minnesota's leader in 2023 with 633 kills on the season. She was a 2024 Miss Baden Finalist and earned two Star Tribune Athlete of the Week honors in 2023 and 2024. She was an All-Conference Honorable Mention as an eighth grader and a four-time All-Conference selection during her freshman to senior seasons. Ball was named to the 2023 Showcase All-Tournament Team, was named the 2023 East Metro Player of the Year and to the 2023 All-Metro Second Team. The daughter of Jason and Abigail Ball plans to major in elementary education at South Dakota.
 
"Ava is a true six-rotation outside that does all of the skills at a high level," said Williamson. "She will look similar to several outsides that we have recruited in the past that fit this mold. She comes from successful high school and club programs where she excelled at the highest of levels. We're excited to add her upbeat and competitive nature to our program!"
 
Kate Holthaus | Right Side / Outside Hitter | Cold Spring, Minn. | ROCORI
The No. 4 ranked player in Minnesota by Prep Dig, Kate Holthaus, ended her career at ROCORI with over 1,000 career kills and 1,000 digs. Holthaus was a four-time All-Conference selection. She was nominated for the Miss Baden award and was a two-time All-State honoree. Holthaus was named the St. Cloud Metro Player of the Year. The daughter of Tim and Angel Holthaus plans to major in business at South Dakota.
 
"Kate is a strong and physical six-rotation pin who has the ability to be an elite attacker in college," said Williamson. "She has experience playing several positions during her career which will serve her well during her college career. We are excited to see how she develops as a rightside at the college level."
 
Cate Legel | Outside Hitter | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Sioux Falls Washington
The AVCA All-Region selection, Cate Legel, has totaled over 750 kills, 750 digs and 115 aces in her career at Sioux Falls Washington High School. Legel was a First Team All-Conference selection as a junior. Legel helped lead the Warriors to a pair of second place finishes at the South Dakota State Tournament as a freshman and a junior, and a third-place finish as a sophomore. Legel was also a state qualifier in the high jump and long jump for the Warriors. The daughter of Billy and Heather Legel plans to major in elementary education at South Dakota.
 
"Cate has been coming to our camps since junior high," said Williamson. "Even from a young age, we had a feeling she was going to be a Coyote. Cate might be "undersized" but has the athleticism and motor to make up for it. She plays the entire game at a high level, and we are excited see how she impacts our program. We love having another in-state recruit on our roster!"
 
Ella Rogers | Setter | Des Moines, Iowa | Dowling Catholic
The Dowling Catholic High School leader in assists, Ella Rogers, dished out 2,641 assists at Dowling Catholic over her career and added 212 kills and 93 aces. Rogers was named to the 2023 Class 5A State All-Tournament Team after helping lead the Maroons to a runner-up finish at the 5A State Championships. In her senior season, Rogers was named to the IGHSAU State All-Tournament Team, the All-District Team, First Team All-CIML and an IGCA Academic All-State. Rogers was a 2023 All-District Team honoree and a 2023 Second Team All-State selection. Rogers was ranked No. 15 in the state of the Iowa by Prep Dig and was named to the 2024 Iowa All-State Tournament Team.
 
"Ella is a skilled setter that can impact the game in many ways," said Williamson. "She makes great decisions that helps her teammates have success. Her length will also be a huge asset to our team. We are excited to see how she develops as a blocker and offensive setter during her time as a Coyote. Ella plans in enroll in January and will benefit from training with our team all spring."
 
Sierra Pokharel | DS / Libero | Omaha, Neb. | Millard West
The No. 37 ranked player nationally by PrepVolleyball.com and No. 7 player in Nebraska by Prep Dig, Sierra Pokharel, totaled 1,496 career digs and over 170 aces at Millard West. Pokharel was a Omaha World Herald 2024 Super 6 Preseason Selection. She was selected as a three-time varsity captain for the Wildcats and was an Omaha World Heral Class A Honorable Mention in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Pokharel was named to the AVCA All-Region and AVCA Best and Brightest in 2024. She was a Gold Honor Roll (4.0+ GPA) in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The daughter of Ashish and Lacy Pokharel plans to major in biology at South Dakota.
 
"Sierra is an elite defender and passer who will thrive in our defense-minded gym," said Williamson. "She is gritty, passionate, and loves to compete. She is another top recruit out of the state of Nebraska, which has some of the best high school and club volleyball in the country. Sierra is used to playing and winning at a high level in both club volleyball and high school."
 
Rogers will enroll at South Dakota in January while the other four student-athletes with enroll in the fall of 2025.