MARSHALL, MN — For the 18th time in school history, the Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Volleyball team is heading to the NCAA Regional Tournament. A remarkable achievement, especially considering the level of competition in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), one of the toughest volleyball leagues in the country. Under the guidance of head coach Tyler Boddy, the Mustangs have continued their tradition of excellence, securing a spot in the postseason once again after a strong regular season.
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A Season to Remember
With a final record of 23-5, the Mustangs have once again proven their mettle, despite facing fierce competition in the NSIC. A deep, talented league that regularly sends multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament, the NSIC is a proving ground for teams looking to make a deep postseason run. And while the Mustangs faced their fair share of challenges throughout the season, they have emerged stronger, well-prepared, and focused on their next objective: the Regional Tournament.
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The Mustangs will enter the tournament as the 7th seed, and on Thursday, December 5th, they will square off against Central Oklahoma in the first round at the tournament in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
“It’s always a challenge to make it this far, but when you play in a league like the NSIC, you get used to competing at a high level,” said Coach Tyler Boddy. “It’s fun to take over a good program and try to stay at the top or near the top. But it’s not easy. There are a lot of strong teams out there, and you have to be ready for every match.”
A Strong Foundation Under Tyler Boddy
Boddy, who took over as head coach three years ago after serving as an assistant coach for 10 years under legendary head coach Terry Culhane, has continued to build on the success of his predecessors. Boddy’s transition into the top spot could have been challenging, but instead, he’s thrived in the role, keeping the Mustangs consistently in contention for the postseason.
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“What’s been great about taking over this program is the foundation of success that was already here,” Boddy said. “Terry (Culhane) and the previous coaching staff set the bar high, and it’s been my job to maintain that standard and continue to build on it. It’s a process, and we’ve been fortunate to have some really talented players who are willing to put in the work it takes to compete at a high level.”
The Mustangs’ record this season speaks to that commitment. While they may not have been the outright favorites going into the year, the team has continued to exceed expectations. Their 23-5 record includes impressive wins against conference rivals, including several teams that are also competing in the Regional Tournament.
Tough Road Ahead
But the road to the Regional Tournament is never easy, especially in the NSIC, which is home to some of the most elite volleyball programs in the nation. Among the teams the Mustangs will face in St. Cloud are the St. Cloud State Huskies, who are not only the host team for the tournament but also the top seed after a dominant 23-match winning streak. St. Cloud, a team with a rich history of success in the NCAA Tournament, will be a formidable challenge for any opponent, and the Mustangs will need to be at their best to advance through the competition.
“The Huskies are a very good team, and it’s tough to face them on their home court,” Boddy acknowledged. “But the Regional Tournament is always competitive, and you know that you’re going to have to earn every point, every match. We’ll be ready.”
In fact, the Mustangs will face stiff competition from three NSIC teams in the tournament, including St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth, both of which are also vying for a chance to make a run at a national championship. The NSIC has earned a reputation for being one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA Division II volleyball landscape, and SMSU has earned the respect of their peers within the league.
“We’ve had to battle through some tough matches to get here, and it’s great to see our team getting better as the season has progressed,” said Boddy. “We know that when the tournament starts, it’s a fresh slate, and anything can happen. Our focus is to take it one match at a time, and we know that if we play our best, we can compete with anyone.”
Key Players to Watch
One of the most exciting aspects of SMSU’s success this season has been the standout performances of several key players. Among them is senior outside hitter Madeline Jensen, who has been a consistent force at the net all season. Jensen’s leadership and ability to score in critical moments have been a major factor in the Mustangs’ strong record this season. Her experience and composure will be crucial in the high-pressure matches of the Regional Tournament.
In addition, Sophomore Setter Sarah Huber has been a revelation in her second season, taking over the setter role after the graduation of a talented senior class. Huber’s precision and court vision have made her one of the top setters in the NSIC, and her ability to orchestrate the offense will be a key factor in SMSU’s success.
But volleyball is a team sport, and the Mustangs’ depth and balance across the roster are what truly set them apart. Junior Libero Emma Weigand has been a defensive dynamo, consistently keeping rallies alive with her scrappy play in the back row. Meanwhile, Freshman Outside Hitter Megan O’Neill has provided a spark for the team, earning valuable playing time and contributing key kills when the Mustangs need them most.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Regardless of the outcome of the Regional Tournament, the future of SMSU Volleyball looks bright. Coach Boddy has brought a fresh energy to the program, and the team has the talent and commitment to remain a perennial contender in the NSIC and on the national stage.
“We’ve had a great season, but we’re not satisfied yet,” Boddy said. “We have big goals ahead of us, and we’re going to continue to work hard and focus on getting better every day. There’s a lot of volleyball left to be played, and we’re excited to see where this team can go.”
With a strong mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, SMSU Volleyball is well-positioned for both short-term success and long-term growth. The Mustangs will undoubtedly give everything they have in the Regional Tournament as they aim to extend their season and make another deep run into the NCAA Tournament.
The Regional Tournament
The NCAA Regional Tournament, which will be held at St. Cloud State University, will feature the top teams from across the Central Region. As the 7th seed, the Mustangs know they will have their work cut out for them, but with their experience, talent, and the leadership of Coach Boddy, they are ready for the challenge.
“We’ve got a great group of players who are hungry for success, and we know that every match is an opportunity to prove ourselves,” Boddy concluded. “We’re looking forward to what’s next and will give it everything we’ve got.”
SMSU Volleyball will take on Central Oklahoma in the first round on Thursday, December 5th, at St. Cloud State University. With the Regional Tournament set to begin, the Mustangs are ready to make a run at a national championship and continue their proud tradition of success.
