Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – Northern State University head coach Brent Aldridge announced today the addition of Grace Marti as an assistant coach with the volleyball program. Marti joins the Northern State staff after a playing career at Cornell College. She will officially begin her duties in mid-July.
“I am excited to fill the Wolves volleyball assistant coaching position with Grace Marti,” explained Aldridge. “Grace fills the need for a middle hitter/blocker coach and defensive coordinator. During the interview I felt like Grace’s personality and experience at the middle hitter/blocker position would be a great fit for our team. I look forward to having Grace meet the team and start the process of preparing for another year of battles in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.”
“I’m super excited for this opportunity given by Coach Aldridge and Northern Athletics,” exclaimed Marti. “Getting the opportunity to be back in the NSIC is so exciting, as the competition in this conference is top level. I cannot wait to be with this team in the gym and bring my assets to their already great culture!”
Marti opened her coaching career with the Kairos Volleyball Club from 2019-21, leading the 13U and 14U programs. In addition, she spent one season as the assistant coach for the 13U and 14U teams at the Mt. Vernon Volleyball Club.
In the spring of 2024, Marti assisted with the Cornell program. She led the strength and skill development exercises from the program and assisted with recruiting, service activity coordination, and coordinated student orientation for first year and transfer students.
She opened her playing career at NSIC foe Sioux Falls, spending a pair of seasons with the Coo. Marti played three seasons at Cornell from 2021-23, earning two All-Midwest honors. Cornell won back-to-back-to-back league championships in her tenure and qualified for three straight NCAA Tournaments. With the Rams, Marti tallied 650 kills and 201 blocks in her career. In addition, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and sports management.