SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
The 1991 volleyball team, under head coach Deb Denbeck, became the first team in program history to advance to the NAIA National Championships played in Hays, Kan. SMSU finished 1-3 at the national tournament, defeating Fort Hays State.
SMSU, which was nationally ranked during the year, finished the season with 30 victories and won the program’s first NAIA district championship since 1985. SMSU defeated Minnesota-Morris (3-0) and Moorhead State (3-1) to win the NAIA District title, before defeating Edgewood (Wis.) 3-0 in the NAIA Bi-District championship played in Marshall.
Several individuals earned numerous postseason honors following the season. Outside hitter Monica Green was named a first team NAIA All-American, while middle blocker Jenai Hutchinson was named honorable mention NAIA All-American. Green, Hutchinson and setter Jill Dauenhauer were selected All-Northern Sun Conference, while Dauenhauer, Green, Hutchinson and outside hitter Jen Peiffer were named NAIA All-District.
Green, Hutchinson and Peiffer all recorded over 400 kills during the season, while Dauenhauer racked up 1,401 assists.
The 1991 coaching staff and team members include Deb Denbeck (head coach), Beth Elliott (assistant coach), Jeanette Blake, Jill Dauenhauer, Monica Green, Heather Hindt, Corinne Hoffmann, Jenai Hutchinson, Dawn Lovestrand, Jen Peiffer, Kathy Sheehan, Stacy Van Zee and Tiffany Yaeger.
