CHADRON, Neb. -- After reaching the RMAC playoffs for the first time since 2003 a season ago, the Chadron State College volleyball team finalized its 2024 signing class with the addition of four players, CSC Head Volleyball Coach Jennifer Stadler announced today.

Two of the signees are recent high school graduates hailing from Nebraska and South Dakota while the other two additions will be transferring to Chadron State.

From Bayard, Nebraska, Danika Hassel joins the Eagles as a 6-0 right side. Hassel concluded her four-year career as a Bayard Tiger with the school record for career kills (988), kills in a season (314), career digs (759) and career aces. As a senior, she was named the Western Trails Conference (WTC) Offensive MVP, was a member of the West-Nebraska All Star Team and was a WTC First Team Academic All-Conference selection.

In addition to her volleyball success, Hassel lettered all four years for basketball and was a two-time state medalist in track and field.

"Danika is a physical attacker with a lot of athletic ability," Stadler said. "She has been a three-sport athlete her entire high school career and those opportunities have allowed her to become a well-rounded athlete. Her joy and excitement for learning will help her excel as she transitions to the college game. Danika has a bright future as an Eagle."

A native of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Mataya Ward joins the team after being a three-time South Dakota All-State selection for Belle Fourche High School. A 5-10 outside hitter, Ward finished her career with 1,474 career kills and 1,118 career digs. In addition to being a three-time all-state selection, she was also named all-conference and was a best of the west selection three times. Before her senior year, Ward was named the 2023 Midco Sports Class A Preseason Player of the Year.

Like Hassel, Ward excelled in other sports and in the classroom. She was a four-time state medalist in track and field, second team all-state selection in basketball and a two-time national qualifier in rodeo, while being named Academic All-State in volleyball and basketball.

"Mataya is a great addition to our 2024 roster," Stadler said. "Her experience playing multiple sports has allowed her to grow, learn and be a fierce competitor. Her positivity, strong work ethic and character are what we look for in our athletes and we believe she will fit in well with our program and culture."

Alejandra Briseno joins the Eagles as a 5-9 outside hitter after playing for Hutchinson Community College the previous two seasons. At Hutchinson, Briseno averaged 1.40 kills on .125 hitting and averaged 1.98 digs per set, earning all-conference honorable mention honors. In high school, Briseno was named first-team CONADEIP at high school nationals and was a national champion representing Jalisco in 2021.

""Ale joins us after completing a successful career at Hutchinson CC," Coach Stadler said. "Her personality, grit and team values aligned immediately with our program and we are excited to add her to our roster. We love the experience she brings from her juco and overseas as a 6-rotation pin and feel her combination of terminability, maturity and versatility will be a great addition. "

The final signee is Sofia Langer, a 5-9 setter from Fountain Hills, Arizona. Most recently at Lewis Clark State College, Langer appeared in 72 sets in 25 matches with five starts. She recorded a total of 273 assists and finished second on the team with 3.79 assists per set. Prior to Lewis Clark, Langer had stops at Division I Norfolk State and NJCAA Central Wyoming College. While at CWC, Langer was a two-time all-region selection and was the conferences setter of the year, helping the Rustler's reach a national ranking of ninth in the nation.

""We are thrilled to add Sofie to our roster," Stadler said. "Her personality and mindset for team cohesion really sets her apart. Her ability to facilitate an offense and run a fast tempo and her IQ of the sport will help our offense flourish. "

Fans will be able to watch CSC volleyball and the new signees on August 30, when the team hosts its annual Maroon vs Black scrimmage.