Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head softball coach
Kaley Ness announced the addition of seven student-athletes today. Emerson Boyer (Gretna, Neb.), Emily Braaten (Lakeville, Minn.), Autumn Bryant (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Tivoli Kennedy (Carver, Minn.), Ava Nance (Gretna, Neb.), Grace Rolek (Bloomington, Minn.), and Gabby Vang (Lakeville, Minn.) will join the Wolves in the fall of 2026.
"We are excited to officially welcome Grace, Emily, Emerson, Autumn, Ava, Tivoli, and Gabby to our Wolves softball family," explained Ness. "This class embodies the qualities we value most: committed students, competitive athletes, and exceptional young women who represent the future of our program. Each of them brings unique strengths, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for the game. This group will elevate our program, strengthen our competitiveness, and make a meaningful impact on Northern State and the Aberdeen communities."
Emerson Boyer – Catcher/Outfield, 5-2, Gretna, Neb. / Gretna HS
Emerson Boyer is a catcher/outfielder out of Gretna High School. She is a starter for the Dragons under the direction of head coach Bill Heard. In 2025, Boyer tallied a .205 batting average and .385 on base percentage. Gretna won both the conference and district titles in 2025, qualifying for the Nebraska State Tournament. She is the daughter of Jamie and Craig Boyer.
Emily Braaten – Catcher/Infield, 5-2, Lakeville, Minn. / Eastview HS
Emily Braaten is a catcher/infielder out of Eastview High School. She is a 4-year starter for the Lightning under the direction of head coach Roger Schliewe. In the spring of 2024, Braaten his .407 with 35 hits and 25 RBI. She is a 3-time South Suburban All-Conference selection. She is the daughter of Tim and Kimberly Braaten.
Autumn Bryant – Utility, 5-7, Sioux Falls, S.D. / Harrisburg HS
Autumn Bryant is a utility player out of Harrisburg High School. She is a member of the Nebraska Gold program, competing in track and field during the high school spring season. With Nebraska Gold, Bryant tallied a .419 batting average, .432 on base percentage, and .558 slugging percentage. The 2025 squad took third at the PGF National Tournament. She is the daughter of Toby and Amber Bryant and sister of current softball student-athletes Tevan and
Dessa Bryant.
Tivoli Kennedy – Utility, 5-11, Carver, Minn. / Southwest Christian HS
Tivoli Kennedy is a utility player out of Southwest Christian High School. She is a 3-year starter and team captain for the Stars under the direction of head coach Ashley Gorman. As a junior, Kennedy hit .389. She tallied all-conference honors in 2023 and 2025. She is the daughter of Ali and Joe Kennedy.
Ava Nance – Pitcher, 5-9, Gretna, Neb. / Gretna HS
Ava Nance is a pitcher out of Gretna High School. She is a 3-year letterwinner for the Dragons under the direction of head coach Bill Heard. In 2025, Nance tallied a 3.89 ERA in 45.0 innings of work with 43 strikeouts. Gretna won both the conference and district titles in 2025, qualifying for the Nebraska State Tournament. She is the daughter of Jay and Melissa Nance.
Grace Rolek – Pitcher/Outfield, 5-5, Bloomington, Minn. / Bloomington Jefferson HS
Grace Rolek is a pitcher/outfielder out of Bloomington Jefferson High School. She is a 3-year starter and team captain for the Jaguars under the direction of head coach Jim Hanson. As a junior, Rolek hit .312 and tallied a 1.099 ERA in the circle with 80 strikeouts. She earned Metro West All-Conference honors and was named to the MSHSL All-State Tournament team in 2025. BJHS won the section 3AAA Championship and finished as the MSHSL runner-up last season. She is the daughter of Emily and Nate Rolek.
Gabby Vang – Pitcher/Utility, 5-5, Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville North HS
Gabby Vang is a pitcher/utility player out of Lakeville North High School. She is starter for the Panthers under the direction of head coach Scott Halupczok. Vang recorded all-conference honors last season and LNHS advanced to the section championship game. She is the daughter of Nichole and Aaron Vang.
