CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball program announced the signing of Emma Malek (MH/RS, 5-11, Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South H.S.) and Madison Carsten (OH, 5-9, Wadena, Minn./Wadena-Deer Creek H.S.).

Carsten and Malek give the Golden Eagles seven signees for the 2023 class. They join Ryan Canter (S, 5-11, Phoenix, Ariz./Saguaro H.S.), Maya Jones (RS/OH, 6-1, New Braunfels, Texas/Canyon H.S.), Carizma Muth (OH, 5-11, Randolph, Wis./Randolph H.S.), Megan Schoenfelder (MH/RS, 5-11, Zumbrota, Minn./Zumbrota-Mazeppa H.S.), and Kailee Waasdorp (OH/DS, 5-9, West Fargo, N.D./Sheyenne H.S.).

The seven signees will be significant in helping Minnesota Crookston help build on last year's improvement and bring young talent into the Golden Eagle volleyball program. They help address the key positional needs for Minnesota Crookston. Minnesota Crookston went 5-23 (4-16 NSIC) in their first season under Head Coach Nick Meseck. They picked up the most wins for the program since the 2017 season. The Golden Eagles will look to build off the positives from 2022 heading into the 2023 season.

The student-athletes 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.


Madison Carsten (OH, 5-9, Wadena, Minn./Wadena-Deer Creek H.S.)
Carsten was named 2022 Minnesota Class AA All-State. She was a 2022 Section 6AA All-Section selection. Carsten was named the 2022 Park Region Conference Most Valuable Player. She is a three-time Park Region All-Conference recipient. Carsten achieved 1,191 career digs and 953 career kills. She is a three-year captain for Wadena-Deer Creek H.S.

She is the daughter of Gary and Tracy Carsten. Carsten plans to major in exercise science and wellness at Minnesota Crookston. She recovered from back-to-back ACL surgeries and was out of sports for about a year-and-a-half.

"I have seen Maddie play for several years with her club Summit Junior Volleyball in Fargo," Meseck stated. "She has a big arm, many different shots, and plays strong defense/serve receive. She will be a great addition to our Golden Eagle family!"


Emma Malek (MH/RS, 5-11, Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South H.S.)
Malek has been a four-year varsity starter at Plainfield South H.S. She has been a three-year captain. Malek was selected 2022 Southwest Prairie All-Conference and All-Area. She was a 2019 AAU All-American under Club1 volleyball. Malek was named to the Top 100 in her class by illprepvb.com.

She is the daughter of Marcia and Ted Malek. Malek plans to major in exercise science and wellness. Her mom Marcia Malek played volleyball at Benedictine University. Her dad Ted Malek played soccer at Dominican University. Her uncle Ryan Dempster played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball as a pitcher for the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 1995 MLB Draft.

"Emma is a natural leader with a great feel for the game," Meseck said. "She has the ability to play multiple positions fluently making her a versatile addition. We are excited to have her join the Golden Eagle family!"