St. Cloud State Volleyball Signs Seven for 2026
11/12/2025 11:09:00 AM | Volleyball
Huskies add largest recruiting class in Coach Braegelmann’s 11-year tenure
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – St. Cloud State Volleyball Head Coach Chad Braegelmann has announced the addition of seven signees, including two sets of twins to the program's 2026 signing class on Wednesday. Middle blocker Alexis Heinle (Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS), libero Clara Keaveny (Waconia, Minn. / Mayer Lutheran HS), setter Izzy Keaveny (Waconia, Minn. / Mayer Lutheran HS), outside hitter Bailey Mullihan (Fairbank, Iowa / Denver HS), middle blocker Grace Mullihan (Fairbank, Iowa / Denver HS), middle blocker Brynn Panek (Avon, Minn. / Albany HS) and opposite Audrey Rydell (Fargo, N.D. / North HS) will begin their collegiate careers at St. Cloud State in 2026.
Three different states are represented in the Huskies' 2026 signing class with the program's upper Midwest ties on full display as the Keavenys and Panek stay in their home state of Minnesota, the Mullihans join from Iowa and Heinle and Rydell come from North Dakota.
As we are set to graduate six players this year, our 2026 class had to be both deep and talented, said Braegelmann. I think we were able to accomplish both of those goals with the addition of these seven signees. They have won at a high level, are well rounded athletes, have physicality and they have a high-level of volleyball IQ, as well as some room to grow as volleyball players. I certainly think there will be some chances for this group to contribute early on in their volleyball careers.
ALEXIS HEINLE | MIDDLE BLOCKER | 5'11 | BISMARCK, N.D. | CENTURY HS
A middle blocker from Bismarck, North Dakota and Century HS…ranked as the #1 player in the state of North Dakota for the class of 2026…state champion and all-tournament team during her junior season (2024)…three-year letterwinner…named the team's most improved player after her sophomore season…two-time conference champion…2025 team captain…compiled over 400 kills and 150 blocks through her junior season…high school coaches are Jamie Zastoupil and Sarah Bohrer…played her club volleyball with Capital Volleyball Club for five years…two-sport athlete – also competes in track & field…four-year letterwinner…three-time all-state in high jump…two-time all-state in long jump…two-time all-state in triple jump…conference champion in triple jump and long jump…indoor state champion and meet record holder in high jump (5-5)…holds a personal record in the high jump of 5-6…three-time team jumper MVP…member of the academic honor roll…National Honor Society inductee…
Personal: Daughter of Justin and Danatte Heinle...intends to major in nursing...enjoys traveling with her family...biggest influence is her mom, who always pushes her to chase her dreams and supports her no matter what. Her mom inspires her to be the best version of herself and she is there for me through everything....notes winning the state championship her junior year as her greatest volleyball experience...lists Nebraska middle blocker Andi Jackson as her favorite athlete...
Coach Braegelmann on Heinle...
Alexis is a fantastic athlete. She gets off the ground very quick and has the ability to be both a terminal blocker and attacker. She has a fast arm and an appetite for learning. We think she will have the ability to play as a M1 or M2 attacker, but I think she may be better hitting off 2 feet in front of the setter. She has not had as much club experience as some others but is a fantastic track athlete as well and knows how to compete.
Century head coach Jamie Zastoupil on Heinle...
Alexis has been a dominant force for us the past 3 years. She has been versatile in the front row as both a middle hitter and a right-side hitter. She is a big threat to her opponents, she can read the court well on defense, has a fast arm swing and great vertical. If I were to pick the area that Alexis has grown the most, it would be in her mental game. She has become a strong leader for us and we will miss her presence on the floor.
CLARA KEAVENY | LIBERO | 5'10 | WACONIA, MINN. | MAYER LUTHERAN HS
A libero from Waconia, Minnesota and Mayer Lutheran HS…two-time Minnesota Class A State Champions (2024 and 2025)…two-time Minnesota Class A State runner-up (2022 & 2023)…Minnesota All-State Team…Minnesota State All-Tournament Team…two-time Minnesota Volleyball Showcase All-Tournament selection…three-time all-conference selection…team captain…four-year starting libero and letterwinner…named Minnesota Breakdown Most Accurate Passer…three-time Minnesota Breakdown Class A All-Breakdown Team…three-time Herald Journal All-Area team…Breakdown Elite 35 Underclassmen…recorded over 1,500 digs in her prep career…led team in digs and reception percentage three times…ranked second in the state in digs…top-10 in the state in digs and reception percentage…led the team in aces in 2022…high school coach is Joelle Grimsley…played her club volleyball for Mizuno Northern Lights for seven years…USA Volleyball National Champions in 2025…finished third place finish at AAU Nationals twice and fifth once…named an AAU Nationals All-American…President Classic Champions (Omaha)…three-time AVCA Phenom Watchlist Player…three-sport athlete – also competes in basketball and lacrosse…Minnesota Basketball All-Tournament Team member…All-State Honorable Mention…Minnesota State Consolation Champion…two-time Minnesota State Basketball State participant…Minnesota Breakdown Player of the Year nominee…three-time Minnesota Breakdown Team selection…three-time all-conference…two-time team captain…four-year starting point guard and letterwinner…three-time Herald Journal All Area Team… school record holder in career three pointers, career assists, single season assists, single season steals and single game assists…has scored over 1,000 points…ranks fourth in career points, third in career steals and second in single game point… played six years of AAU basketball between Minnesota Stars and Minnesota Fury…lacrosse team MVP and two-time letter winner…member of the academic honor roll…
Personal: Daughter of Jennifer Klein Keaveny...undecided on what she plans to major in...enjoys water skiing, hanging out with friends and family and coaching summer camps for volleyball and basketball...biggest influence is her mom, who has been her coach through multiple sports throughout her life....notes winning multiple Class A State Volleyball Championships or winning USA Nationals as her greatest volleyball experiences...shares she is an identical redhead twin and has played every sport with her twin sister and is so excited and grateful for the opportunity to play volleyball SCSU with her…
Coach Braegelmann on Clara Keaveny...
Clara is a competitor and a winner. Her high school basketball teams have won, her high school volleyball teams have won and her club volleyball teams have all had a plethora of success. Clara has some fantastic defensive skills and is very solid in serve-receive. The ability to play multiple back row positions, as well as her experience playing at a high level of open volleyball for juniors should give her opportunities to see the court in multiple spots for the Huskies.
Mayer Lutheran head coach Joelle Grimsley on Clara Keaveny...
I've had the privilege of coaching Clara for four years at the Varsity level as Mayer Lutheran's starting libero. Throughout her career, Clara has consistently led our team in digs and serve receive, playing a crucial role in jump stating our offense- often getting the ball to her twin! Her strong work ethic, competitive spirit and relentless drive for success have made her an absolute joy to coach! She has helped lead the Crusaders in their post season play with two second places in State and two championships!
IZZY KEAVENY | SETTER | 5'10 | WACONIA, MINN. | MAYER LUTHERAN HS
A setter from Waconia, Minnesota and Mayer Lutheran HS…two-time MSHSL State Volleyball Champion (2024 and 2025)…two-time MSHSL State Volleyball runner-up…two-time MNVBCA All-State Team…two-time MSHSL All-Tournament Team…named to watchlist for Ms. Volleyball Minnesota (2025)…three-time Breakdown Top Player…Breakdown Preseason Player of the Year Nominee…Minnesota Star Tribune All-Minnesota Team…Minnesota Volleyball Class A All-Tournament Team Selection…three-time all-conference…team captain…three-time Breakdown Elite 35 Underclassman…four-year starting setter and letter winner…three-time Herald Journal All-Area Team…compiled 2,500+ assists during her prep career leading her team in assists each season…led team in kills, aces, assists and solo blocks in 2025…led team in aces, assists and solo blocks in 2024…ranked second in the state in assists in 2023 with over 950…led team in assists and solo blocks in 2023…high school coaches are Joelle Grimsley and Amanda Panek… played her club volleyball for Northern Lights for seven years…GJNC National Champion (2025)…AAU National All-American…also finished third place at AAU Nationals twice and fifth once…Presidents Day Classic Champions (Omaha)…three-time AVCA Phenom Watchlist Player…three-time JVA Watchlist…three-sport athlete – also competes in basketball and lacrosse…MSHSL Basketball Consolation Champions in 2024…two-time MSHSL Basketball Tournament participant…Honorable Mention All-State…three-time all-conference…two-time team captain…four-year starting point guard and letter winner…three-time Herald Journal Area Team…three-time All Breakdown Section Player…scored 1,000 career points…ranks fourth in career steals, fifth in career points, top five in three pointers and top 10 in career assists and career rebounds…played six years of AAU basketball with Minnesota Stars and Minnesota Fury…lacrosse team MVP and two-time letter winner…National Honor Society President…three time high honor roll recipient…Homecoming Queen candidate…
Personal: Daughter of Jennifer Klein Keaveny...undecided on what she plans to major in...enjoys hanging out with friends and family, coaching summer camps for sports and hanging out on the lake and outdoors…participated in Mayer Lutheran mission trip to Anapra, Mexico in 2024…biggest influence is her mom....notes winning the 2024 and 2025 MSHSL Girls Volleyball Championships for Class A or winning the 2025 GJNC National Championship as her greatest volleyball experiences...shares she is an identical redhead twin and has had the great opportunity to play every sport with her sister and is beyond excited to continue doing that at SCSU…
Coach Braegelmann on Izzy Keaveny...
Izzy has experience playing multiple positions, both as an attacker and as a setter, as well as a right back defender. It will be fun to see where her skills bring her. She is also a fantastic competitor and winner and has seen success at every level as a team player. Her athleticism and setting ability, set her apart in that class. The fact that we were able to get both her and Clara here at the same time made it even better for the Huskies.
Mayer Lutheran head coach Joelle Grimsley on Izzy Keaveny...
Izzy has been a four-year starter for the Mayer Luther Crusaders and has shown tremendous growth in both her skills and leadership-on and off the court. She works to involve all of her offensive teammates, helping them improve while keeping the offense running efficiently in addition to her strong leadership and court awareness, Izzy is also leading are team and kills this season, making her an all-around standup player. Under her leadership, the Crusaders have earned two runner-up finishes at the state level and two state championships!
BAILEY MULLIHAN | OUTSIDE HITTER | 5'11 | FAIRBANK, IOWA | DENVER HS
An outside hitter from Fairbank, Iowa and Denver HS… American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) all-region player in 2025…two-time state champion (2024, 2025)…four-time state qualifier…one-time first team all-state…one-time second team all-state…two-time 2A All-Tournament Team (2024, 2025)…two-time first team all-conference…four-time letterwinner…tallied over 1,100 kills, 650 digs, 100 blocks, 90 assists and 45 aces during her career…high school coach is Jamie Johnson…played her club volleyball for Sixpack (five years) and Adrenaline (one year)…three-sport athlete – also competes in soccer and basketball…two-time second team all-state in soccer…two-time first team all-conference…two-time state tournament runner-up…four-year letterwinner…one-time second team all-conference in basketball…two-time honorable mention all-conference…four-year letterwinner…member of Cyclone Achievement Club…three-time member of high honor roll…
Personal: Daughter of Shawn and Michelle Mullihan...undecided on what she plans to major in...enjoys being part of the Leo Club…biggest influence is her dad....notes winning the 2024 and 2025 2A State Championships as her greatest volleyball experiences...lists former Nebraska outside hitters Madi (Kubik) Banks and Mikaela (Foecke) Richter and former Kentucky/Texas outside hitter Madisen Skinner as her favorite athletes...
Coach Braegelmann on Bailey Mullihan...
We had a chance to work with Bailey at a camp before her junior high school season started we liked her skill set. After the new year we had the chance to work with her again and the improvement she made over the six months was very impressive. She will have opportunities to play in both the front row and back row with her skill set as an attacker and a passer/defender and it will be fun to see her growth and progress continue.
Denver head coach Jamie Johnson on Bailey Mullihan...
SCSU is getting a top-notch pin hitter! Hard work has set Bailey Mullihan up for lots of success at the high school level and I know that will translate extremely well to the NSIC. She is a true competitor with a champion's mentality and pushes our gym to be better every single day. Bailey is hard to stop and always finds a way to get the job done.
GRACE MULLIHAN | MIDDLE BLOCKER | 5'11 | FAIRBANK, IOWA | DENVER HS
A middle blocker from Fairbank, Iowa and Denver HS…second team all-state…state all-tournament team in 2024…class 2A Northeast all-district team…one-time KWAY First Team All-Area…one-time KWAY Honorable Mention All-Area…second team all-conference…four-year letterwinner…recorded over 550 career kills and 170 career blocks…high school coach is Jamie Johnson…played her club volleyball for Sixpack (five years) and Adrenaline (one year)… three-sport athlete – also competes in soccer and basketball…one-time first team all-conference for soccer…one-time second team all-conference… state all-tournament team in 2024…two-time class 1A Northeast All District…KWAY All Area Girl's Soccer team…team Offensive Player of the Year award winner…Denver Glue Award winner…three-time letterwinner…one-time first team all-conference in basketball…two-time second team all-conference…KWAY Honorable Mention All-Area…Denver Hardest Worker Award…three-year letter winner…Cyclone Achievement Club (Honors Society) member…three-time high honor roll member…
Personal: Daughter of Shawn and Michelle Mullihan...undecided on what she plans to major in...biggest influence in her dad because he always has pushed her to be her best and work hard for everything that she wants in life…notes winning the state championship her junior and senior year as her greatest volleyball experiences...lists Nebraska middle blocker Andi Jackson and Nebraska outside hitter Harper Murray as her favorite athletes...
Coach Braegelmann on Grace Mullihan...
Grace is another high volleyball IQ player. She works very hard as a blocker and has a good feel for the game and knows what it takes to compete and win. She has a plethora of tools in her offensive toolbox and uses the whole court to score points as an attacker. Grace is a very even keeled and consistent player on the court and we are excited to see how she continues to develop in the college game.
Denver head coach Jamie Johnson on Grace Mullihan...
Grace is a talented middle hitter who has an arsenal of ways to score including blocking. She has been an exceptional human to have in our gym and I have no doubt she will positively impact SCSU and the NSIC with her leadership skills and athletic talent. She's a big reason why we are back-to-back state champions and I know that will be carried with her to college.
BRYNN PANEK | MIDDLE BLOCKER | 5'11 | AVON, MINN. | ALBANY HS
A middle blocker hitter from Avon, Minnesota and Albany HS…two-time MNVBCA All-State selection (2024 and 2025)…all-section pick…all-conference honoree…team offensive player of the year award winner…American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/MaxPreps Player of the Week for Minnesota on 11/3/25…HS coach is Brian Hines…two-sport athlete – also competes in track and field...letterwinner…honor roll member…
Personal: Daughter of Ryan and Jen Panek...undecided on what she plans to major in…biggest influences are her parents....notes her third place match at the state tournament as her greatest volleyball experience...lists Nebraska middle blocker Andi Jackson as her favorite athlete...
Coach Braegelmann on Panek...
With so many teams playing a 6-2 offense at the club level it can be hard to find middles that are extremely comfortable hitting off of one foot, especially slide attacks behind the setter, but Brynn is one of the more natural one-foot attackers we have seen in the past few years. She is explosive through her approach and elevates well. She plays with a passion that is infectious with her teammates. Couple that with her blocking skills and Brynn has the potential to see some court time early in her college career.
Albany head coach Brian Hines on Panek...
Brynn was one of our go-to players this season on offense. She was a dominant hitter in any zone along the net and gave us huge side-outs when our team needed her. Not one team this season could stop her on a consistent basis as she hit .353 on the season. She was first on our team in kills (375) and second in blocks (45). Brynn's teammates love playing with her because she gets so excited for everyone else's success. She is the ultimate team player!
AUDREY RYDELL | OPPOSITE | 6'1 | FARGO, N.D. | NORTH HS
An opposite from Fargo, North Dakota and North HS…ranked as the #5 player in the state of North Dakota for the class of 2026…state all-tournament team in 2023…Eastern Dakota Conference Team in 2023…four-year letterwinner…two-year captain…recorded over 900 kills, 460 digs, 105 blocks and 80 aces in her career…holds the school record for kills in a match (33)…high school coach is Rachel Hummel…played her club volleyball for Red River Infinity (2021-22), Summit (2023-24) and Sanford (Fargo) (2025-26)… two-sport athlete – also competes in soccer…one-year letterwinner…member of the National Honor Society…
Personal: Daughter of Mike and Anne Rydell...undecided on what she plans to major in...enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, going to the lake and spending time outdoors…biggest influence is her mom, who was the first person to introduce her to volleyball helped her become the person she is today....notes making the North Dakota State Volleyball tournament her freshman year (first time in 11 years for the program) and going undefeated in regular season play her sophomore year at Fargo North as her greatest volleyball experiences...lists Nebraska outside hitter Harper Murray as her favorite athlete...
Coach Braegelmann on Rydell...
It's not often when we recruit an attacker and they can, and have, played every front row position, but Audrey is that type of player. She started her career mostly as a middle, played quite a bit as a right side/opposite attacker in club and has started as a six-rotation outside hitter for this high school season. We see her as an opposite for us at the college level, but she could get time at other spots as well. Audrey has the ability and mindset to be an elite, shutdown blocker that can affect matches for us for four years.
North head coach Rachel Hummel on Rydell...
Audrey's competitiveness drives others in the gym to want to compete alongside with her. She cares about others and is a constant learner of the game. As a captain and leader, Audrey puts others first and gives her best effort each day! She has pushed through adversity with an injury last season but has committed to being the best she can for her senior year. I'm so proud to be her coach!
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