Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – Northern State University head coach Brent Aldridge announced the signing of Avery Goebel (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Ava Nilsson (Mansfield, S.D.) to the Wolves 2024 roster today.

“I am stoked to add both Avery and Ava to Wolves volleyball,” noted Aldridge. “They are both very team-first oriented players that will each add to the competitive nature of our gym.”

Avery Goebel is a 6-foot-1 middle out of Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School. She is a 2-year starter and team captain for the Rough Riders under the direction of head coach Kevin Vanderwal. In the fall of 2023, Goebel has 140 kills, 94 blocks, and 24 service aces. In addition, Goebel is a member of the Kairos Elite Volleyball Club. Her team ranks 27^th in the nation and placed fifth at the AAU National Tournament. She is the daughter of Suzie Green and James Goebel.

Aldridge’s Thoughts: “Avery is a very good all-around middle, with her best volleyball ahead of her. She has the ability to terminate off one foot, or two and can hit in multiple zones. I really like her ability to block balls and get to daylight in transition. She also can serve and play defense after the serve; those two skills make her valuable to our defensive package. I had the opportunity to work with Avery last spring at a Kairos Club clinic and loved the fact that she was coachable and was not fazed at all by taking feedback and trying to increase her ability to terminate off one foot at a faster tempo.”

Ava Nilsson is a 6-foot setter out of Warner High School. She is a 5-year starter and team captain for the Monarchs under the direction of head coach Kari Jung. Mid-way through her senior campaign, Nilsson has accumulated 4,682 assists, 1,244 digs, 404 kills, 269 aces, and 183 blocks in her career. She has two 1,000 assist seasons and has won three South Dakota State Championships. In addition, Nilsson is a 4-time all-conference performer, 4-time all-state and state all-tournament team member, 3-time Argus Leader Super-6 selection, and 2-time Midco Sports Player of the Year. In the fall of 2023, Nilsson was named to the AVCA All-Region team and AVCA All-America third team. She is the daughter of Sonya and Carey Nilsson.

Aldridge’s Thoughts: “Ava has been on our radar since she was in fifth grade, because she has the ability to make players better around her. She is a very talented, calm setter who has the ability to set tempo all ready. Technically she is pretty sound at this point. I think her best attribute is she is very competitive and…SHE WINS!! Ava will work to get teams out of system with her serve, and then makes plays offensively by putting her hitters in the right position to terminate. Ava will make our team better immediately when she steps on campus.”