CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball team announced the signing of Sydney Labatte (OH/RS, 5-9, Froid, Mont./Williston State College (N.D.) to a National Letter of Intent. Labatte is the third signee for the Golden Eagles for the 2022 class. She joins Audrey Cariveau (OH, 5-9, Kevil, Ky./Graves County H.S.) and Makenna Frazier (OH, 5-8, Nevis, Minn./Nevis H.S.) as incoming student-athletes for Minnesota Crookston volleyball.

"We are very excited to add an athlete of Sydney's caliber to our team, with her experience and athletic background she will add a lot to our program," said Head Coach Sarah Morgan. "We can't wait to see the impact she will have on the court and on campus, and are excited to see her in a Golden Eagle uniform."

Labatte is the first junior college signee for the Golden Eagles during the current recruiting cycle. She joins the outside hitter and right side hitter positions for Minnesota Crookston.

Minnesota Crookston is looking to build on a 1-24 mark in 2022. The Golden Eagles had a young roster in 2021 and will look to build moving forward with a strong core of nine returning players. Labatte, Cariveau and Frazier will help Minnesota Crookston add to their squad and help replace graduated seniors Lauren Wallace and Bailey Mulcahy.

The student-athlete listed as having signed a National Letter of Intent or Offer of Admission to play volleyball at the University of Minnesota Crookston have been verified by the Minnesota Crookston compliance office once they sign the National Letter of Intent or once the student-athlete has accepted an Offer of Admission for Minnesota Crookston.

Sydney Labatte (OH/RS, 5-9, Froid, Mont./Williston State College)
Labatte tallied 1.54 kills and 0.66 blocks per set for Williston State College during the 2021 season. She hit .168 and also averaged 0.35 digs per set. Labatte notched nine kills against North Dakota State College of Science. Labatte had five blocks versus Bismarck State College and Lake Region State College. She had four blocks on four occasions during the 2021 season. Labatte notched eight kills against Dakota College at Bottineau, Northeast Community College, and Bismarck State College. As a freshman, she notched 1.73 kills and 0.35 blocks per set for the Tetons. Labatte had 10 kills against Dakota College at Bottineau February 16 and 17, 2021. She had 13 kills at Lake Region State College March 2, 2021. Labatte also played basketball for Williston State College. As a sophomore, she averaged 8.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Labatte shot 47.1 percent from the field. In 2018 and 2019, Labatte was named a District 1C First Team All-State pick for volleyball. She was a First Team All-Conference selection. Labatte earned Academic All-Conference at Williston State College.

She is the daughter of Laura and Grant Labatte. Her sister Haley played college volleyball at Williston State College.