SMSU Athletics

Beth Elliott (volleyball, 1989-90) became SMSU’s first ever first team NAIA All-America in 1990 and was a two-year standout for the Mustangs. 

A 5-foot-8 outside hitter from of Webster, Wis., she played two seasons at Nebraska Western Community College before transferring to SMSU in 1989. 

As a junior for the Mustangs, Elliott was chosen first team All-Northern Sun Conference and first team NAIA All-District 13.  She played in a team-high 42 matches and led the Mustangs with 430 kills, a .350 hitting percentage and 473 digs.  She also ranked among the conference leaders in kills, hitting percentage and digs.

As a senior co-captain in 1990, she had one of the best season’s in school history.  Elliott was a first team NAIA All-America, becoming the first player in SMSU history to receive such recognition and was one of three players considered for the NAIA Player of the Year award. 

Elliott, the NAIA District 13 Player of the Year, led SMSU with a school record 670 kills, a school record 724 digs and a .333 hitting percentage.  She played in 143 of SMSU’s 144 games had 60 service aces and helped SMSU to a 27-19 record, its best record since the 1985 season.  She was also named second team All-America by ASICS/Volleyball Monthly.

Despite playing just two seasons at SMSU, the two-time All-NSC and All-District pick, still ranks first in the SMSU career record book with a .339 hitting percentage, second in kills per game (4.12), fifth in kills (1,100), seventh in digs (1,197) and ninth in attacks (2,564).