Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head volleyball coach
Brent Aldridge announced the addition of six student-athletes for the upcoming academic year. Avery Douglas (Swanville, Minn.), Misia Grudzien (Warsaw, Poland), Avery Maasdorf (Boulder, Colo.), Lydia Nelson (Madison, S.D.), Maggie Smith (St. Louis, Mo.), and Sidonia Wattier (Norfolk, Neb.) will join the Wolves in the fall of 2026.
"This class will provide competition and depth at multiple positions," noted Aldridge. "What we identified is a group of athletes that will allow us to train daily at a higher level and will add to the level of competition for starting positions. As they say 'a rising tide lifts all ships' and as NSIC volleyball continues to improve we need to raise the level of Northern State volleyball. I am excited to get them on campus next fall and get to work at getting better."
Avery Douglas – L/DS, 5-5, Swanville, Minn. / Swanville HS
Avery Douglas is a libero/defensive specialist out of Swanville High School. She is a 5-year starter and team captain for the Bulldogs under the direction of head coach Luke Peterson. Douglas has accumulated 2,233 career digs, including two 500-plus dig seasons. In addition, she has 135 career aces. She is a 3-time all-conference team selection and all-area honoree. SHS won the Prairie Conference Championship in 2024 and 2025. She is the daughter of Travis Douglas and Jodi and Zach Gutormson.
Misia Grudzien – OH, 5-11, Warsaw, Poland / Stefana Zeromskiego
Misia Grudzien is an outside hitter out of Warsaw Poland. Grudzien has tallied multiple accolades including MVP of the Polish Championships in the quarterfinal round, top player at the XL Wanda Tumidajewicz, Jozef Moszczak Memorial, MSOS Director's Cup in Kielce, Mazovian League, and the Noepodlegla National Tournament. Her teams have recorded three top-5 finishes in the Mazovian League and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Polish Championships twice. She is the daughter of Joanna and Mateusz Grudzien.
Avery Maasdorf – S/RS, 5-10, Boulder, Colo. / Boulder HS
Avery Maasdorf is a setter/right-side hitter out of Boulder High School. She is a starter for the Panthers competing in the Rocky Mountain League. In addition, Maasdorf is a member of the NORCO Volleyball Club training throughout the year at the setter position. She is the daughter of Alison and Paul Maasdorf.
Lydia Nelson – MH/RS, 5-10, Madison, S.D. / Madison HS
Lydia Nelson is a middle and right-side hitter out of Madison High School. She is a 3-year starter for the Bulldogs under the direction of head coach Jill Kratovil. She has accumulated over 650 career kills, as well as 135 blocks and 74 aces. She is the daughter of Deb and Steve Nelson.
Maggie Smith – RS/S, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo. / Marquette HS
Maggie Smith is a right-side hitter and setter out of Marquette High School. She is a 3-year starter and team captain for the Mustangs under the direction of head coach Tammy Becker. As a senior, Smith hit a career best .330 and averaged 1.5 blocks per match. She is a 3-time academic all-state honoree, 2-time all-district selection, and all-conference recipient. From 2022-25, Marquette has either won the Oakville Championship or finished as the district runner-up. She is the daughter of Michelle and Bob Smith.
Sidonia Wattier – S, 5-10, Norfolk, Neb. / Norfolk Catholic
Sidonia Wattier is a setter out of Norfolk Catholic. She is a 4-year starter and team captain for the Knights under the direction of head coach Micheala Bellar. Wattier recorded 1,960 assists, 767 kills, 1,086 digs, 176 aces, and 195 blocks in her career. She is a 2-time all-conference honoree, all-area elite eight selection, Lincoln Journal Start All-State second team member, Omaha World Herald All-State first team pick, and All-Area Super Six recipient. She is the daughter of Shawn and Amy Wattier.
