MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State volleyball head coach Corey Phelps is pleased to announce the signing of two players during the early signing day period. Emily Kern and Maci Higgins will join the Mavericks for the 2022-23 season.

All signings are contingent upon admission to Minnesota State and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

"We are excited to bring Maci and Emily to the Maverick Volleyball program," said Minnesota State head coach Corey Phelps. "They both bring a skillset that will raise the competitiveness and grit in our program.  Their impact will be felt quickly in our roster." 

Emily Kern, is a 6'0'' middle hitter from Cleveland, Minn. was a four year starter for the Clippers of Cleveland High School. She led the Clippers to a #1 ranking in the sub-section and was the first time in school history the team had ever won the sub-section where she had the game ending block for the win. The two year captain and team MVP award winner amassed 102 aces, 885 kills, 720 digs, 329 blocks and 58 assists in her high school career. The three sport athlete also played softball and basketball. Emily was a four year letter winner for the basketball team. She comes from a line of family members who attended MSU. Grandfather Richard Kern and uncle Joe Kern played football and baseball respectively for the Mavericks. Emily is also a honor roll student and is undecided in her major at Minnesota State. Emily is the daughter of Rich and Becky Kern.

Coach Phelps Comments Here: "Emily is explosive and dynamic.  She is a player who has a great deal of upside. I expect her to blossom at MSU and become a player who will help our offensive productivity as well as our defensive stability.  We can't wait to get her in the gym."

Maci Higgins, is a 5'3'' defensive specialist/ libero from Spirit Lake, Iowa. Maci was a four year starter and letter winner for Spirit Lake high school. The two time first team all-conference selection had 546 digs which was good for second in class 3A and sixth in the state. Helped lead to team to a 24-17 overall record and second in conference standings her senior year. She is also a member of Spirit Lakes high school 1,000 digs club. She was named to the 3A West All-District Team her senior year. Maci comes from a volleyball family as four of her relatives have played collegiate volleyball at the University of Dubuque, Augustana University and Western Illinois. Maci was a member of the Kairos Elite Volleyball club. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Matthew and Sara Higgins and is currently undecided in her major at MSU.

Coach Phelps Comments: "Maci has a great eye for the game. She is quick, makes solid defensive reads and has great ball control which will help every aspect of our game.  She has played at a high level and understands what it takes to compete with the best, which is why she'll feel right at home in the NSIC."