MARSHALL, MINN - Southwest Minnesota State University volleyball coach Terry Culhane announced Wednesday that Mary Groth and Makenzie Niesche have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and volleyball careers at SMSU.

A native of West Bend, Wis., Groth, is a four-year letter winner for Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson, Wis.  The 6-foot-1 middle blocker finished her high school career with 632 kills and 252 blocks.  She was also a two-time first team All-Flyaway Conference selection and two-time second team WVCA All-State  honoree.  Groth also recieved varsity letters in track and soccer.

“Mary is a long, athletic front row player who we feel has tremendous potential,” Culhane said.  “Her work ethic and character will be a great fit here at SMSU, and we are extremely excited for her to join our team.”

A native of Chaska, Minn., Niesche is a three-year letterwinner for Chaska High School.  The defensive specialist/libero earned first team all-state and All-Lake Conference honors as a senior and honorable mention all-conference as a junior.   A member of Chaska's 2006 3A state championship team, Niesche finished her high school career with 818 digs and 57 aces.

“We are excited to bring Kenzie's attitude and ball-handling ability to our team,” Culhane said.  “She comes from a great, well-coached program, and she's the type of hard-nosed defender you want on your team.”

Southwest Minnesota State University, located in Marshall, Minn., is a member of NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.