Women's Volleyball | 6/24/2025 10:27:00 AM
Crookston, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball roster is starting to take shape. Head coach
Nick Meseck and newly appointed assistant coach Mikia Kreiner announced the signings of three to the 2025 roster. Abbigail Gingerich (Fr., Granger, Ind.) and Sophia Haag (Fr., Calgary, Alberta) are the fourth and fifth freshman signings for the Golden Eagles this season.
Penelope Vertin (Jr., Wayzata, Minn.) is the first transfer signing for the Golden Eagles. Vertin is a Division I transfer, who recently spent time at Charleston Southern and Northern Colorado.
The three signees add to an already strong class that includes
Adrienne Venditto (Fr., OH/DS, Bovey, Minn.),
Ellery Ehresmann (Fr, S, Albany, Minn.) and
Abigail Ernster (Fr., OH, La Crescent, Minn.).
The Golden Eagles roster now stands at 14 heading into the next year, with just one senior on the roster;
Dana Melby (R-Jr., S, Gonvick, Minn.).
The Golden Eagles won seven matches a season ago, including four conference matches. The Golden Eagles started 2-0 for the first time in a decade. Juniors
Madison Carsten (Jr., OH, Wadena, Minn.),
Emma Malek (Jr., MH/RS, Plainfield, Ill.) and
Megan Schoenfelder (Jr., MH, Zumbrota, Minn.) and redshirt sophomore
Carizma Muth (R-So., OH, Randolph, Minn.) are back in the front row after combining for more than 500 kills a season ago.
Kailee Waasdorp (Jr., DS, West Fargo, N.D.) is back as well in the back after having one of the best backrow seasons in program history. Waasdorp helped the Golden Eagles to finish with 17.76 digs per set, which was top-50 nationally, as well as ranking top-65 in the nation in both digs per set and total digs, individually.
Head Coach
Nick Meseck is thrilled about rounding out his class with the versatility that the three signees bring.
"We're excited to welcome Abbi, Sophia, and Penelope to the Golden Eagle family. Each of them brings unique qualities that will strengthen our program—whether it's leadership on the court, versatility at the net, or a strong physical presence," mentioned Meseck. "We look forward to the impact they'll make both in the gym and within our team culture."
The signee who is reported in this release either signed an Athletic Aid Agreement or an Institutional Declaration of Intent (IDI). All signees released by the University of Minnesota Crookston have been verified by the compliance office that all documents have been properly signed and dated, and have been authorized for release.
Abbigail Gingerich (5-7, S, Granger, Indiana)
Gingerich becomes the first native of Indiana on the Golden Eagle roster since at least 2010…Finished fourth in the Northern Indiana Conference in total assists with 344 as a senior…Third in the conference in assists per set, while only playing in 70 sets…Finished with 22 service aces and 165 digs as a senior.
Gingerich is the daughter of Richelle and Dave Gingerich of Granger, Indiana…Abbigail plans to major in Equine Science while a student-athlete at Minnesota Crookston.
Coach Meseck on Abbi
"Abbi is a strong leader who runs a smart offense, plays tough defense, and brings great energy to the team."
Penelope Vertin (6-5, RS, Wayzata, Minn.)
Vertin joins the Golden Eagles after a pair of Division I stops at Northern Colorado and Charleston Southern…Was a dancer in high school and played volleyball for just a year while in high school…Originally chose Northern Colorado over Grand Canyon and Baylor University.
Penelope is the daughter of David Vertin…She plans to major in business while a student-athlete at Minnesota Crookston…Will be a sophomore for the Golden Eagles.
Coach Meseck on Penelope
"At 6'6", Penelope is going to make a big impact at the net. She takes up a ton of space with her block and gives us a huge target in the attack."
Sophia Haag (Fr., 5-10, OH, Calgary, Alberta)
Haag will be the one of the first ever Canadians to play for the maroon and gold when she suits up for the Golden Eagles this fall…Haag was a member of the Team Alberta Gold at the Canada games…Haag is outstanding in the classroom as well, as she was named to high honors in her sophomore, junior and senior years.
Haag is the daughter of Elena and Lindsay Haag of Calgary…Haag plans to major in International Business while a student-athlete at Minnesota Crookston.
Coach Meseck on Sophia
"Sophia brings valuable depth at the pin position. She swings with power and plays with a smart, aggressive mindset on both offense and defense."
