Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – Northern State University head volleyball coach Brent Aldridge announced the addition of six student-athletes for the fall of 2027 today. Brooke Duveneck (Valders, Wis.), Finley Fettig (Bismarck, N.D.), Ellianna Hoefert (Rock Rapids, Iowa), Hallie Hunter (Waconia, Minn.), Taryn Traphagen (Aberdeen, S.D.), and Grace Wieseler (Aurora, Neb.) are set to join the Wolves.

“This class will fill some holes that we have that we have in the middle and provide depth and competition in our gym daily,” explained Aldridge. “This is definitely a big class numbers wise, but also a BIG in size and athleticism. With five of these players having middle experience I do anticipate moving one of them to a pin. Ellie Hoefert, Finley Fettig, Grace Wieseler and Brooke Duveneck all bring us depth, size and athleticism to the middle hitter position. All four of these players have different levels of strengths in their games.  I am excited to get them in practice as there will be some nice battles in practice and matches.”

Aldridge added, “Taryn Traphagen is a very athletic multi-sport player with great feet and a big arm who is a late addition that has played middle but I anticipate moving her to a pin hitter as she could provide us with some great matchup problems. Hallie Hunter is a pin hitter that will provide us size, depth and a very long limbed athlete that takes up space over the net defensively and can use her reach to side-out at the outside hitter position.”

“This class along with our returners should have Wolves Nation excited and looking forward to the future of Wolves volleyball!!! Our returners have built a very strong foundation for us to build on.  I am excited to get healthy and get to work when our spring season starts.  Go Wolves!!!”

Brooke Duveneck is a 6-foot-1 middle out of Manitowoc Lutheran High School. She is a 4-year starter and 3-year team captain for the Lancers under the direction of head coach Lacey Behnke. Duveneck has tallied over 480 kills, 260 blocks, and 140 digs in her prep career. She is a 3-time all-conference selection earning first team accolades as a senior. MLHS has won four straight regional and conference championships with Duveneck on the roster. In addition, they won back-to-back Wisconsin State Championships in 2024 and 2025. She is a member of the FC Elite Volleyball Club. She is the daughter of Michael and Erin Duveneck.

Finley Fettig is a 6-foot middle out of Legacy High School in Bismarck. She is a 2-year starter and senior team captain for the Sabers under the direction of head coach Courtney Huck. In her final two seasons, Fettig accumulated over 300 kills and 100 blocks. As a junior she was named the PSP Network Player of the Game twice. In addition, Fettig is a member of the Capital Volleyball Club, winning both the Prep Dig Tournament and Big Sky Volleyfest in 2026. She is the daughter of Brian and Dani Fettig.

Ellianna Hoefert is a 6-foot-2 middle out of Central Lyon Community School. She is a 3-year starter and senior team captain for the Lions under the direction of head coach Sutton Schlumbohm. In her prep career, Hoefert has over 640 kills, averaging 2.5 per set, and 180 blocks, sitting in the top-5 in school history. She is one of just two players in the state in 2026 with over 300 kills and 100 blocks on the year, ranking second in the state in blocks. Hoefert is a 2-time all-conference selection and all-district honoree. In addition, she is a member of the Kairos Elite Volleyball Club out of Sioux Falls. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Cody Hoefert.

Hallie Hunter is a 6-foot outside hitter out of Mayer Lutheran High School. She is a 4-year starter and senior team captain for the Crusaders under the direction of head coach Joelle Grimsley. Hunter had accumulated over 700 kills and 150 blocks in her prep career, adding 73 aces and 179 digs. She was named to the 2025 Minnesota State All-Tournament team, where MLHS won back-to-back MSHSL Championships in 2024 and 2025. In the fall of 2026, she earned all-state honors. In addition, Hunter is a member of the Kandi Elite. She is the daughter of Jeni and Chris Hunter.

Taryn Traphagen is a 6-foot middle out of Groton Area. She is a 3-year starter and senior team captain for the Tigers under the direction of head coach Chelsea Hanson. Traphagen has over 590 kills, 170 blocks, and 170 digs in her prep career. She holds the Groton Area school records for single season hitting percentage (2025) and single season blocks (2026). Groton won the region championship in the fall of 2024 and 2025. She is the daughter of Heather and Trent Traphagen.

Grace Wieseler is a 6-foot-1 middle out of Aurora High School. She is a 4-year starter and 2-year team captain for the Huskies. Wieseler has over 460 kills and 220 blocks in her career and is an all-conference second team selection and All-Heartland honorable mention team pick in 2025, and 2026 All-State Tournament team member. AHS qualified for the Nebraska State Tournament in 2026, winning the district championship. In addition, Wieseler is a member of the Nebraska Volleyball Academy. She is the daughter of Melanie and Jeremy Wieseler.