MANKATO, Minn – Minnesota State women's volleyball head coach Corey Phelps is excited to announce the signing of four new incoming players. Morgan Bjella, Avery Klein, Jadyn Lester and Manca Ostir will join the Mavericks for the 2024 season.

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

"We are very excited about adding three all-state honorees and an international dynamo to our roster today," said Phelps. "The 2024 recruiting class is full of high character women who understand the value of team and are ready to put in the work to reach their potential as students, athletes, and human beings."

Morgan Bjella, a 5-foot-10-inch right side hitter from Marshall, Minn., is a three-time Minnesota Class AAA State qualifier and a two-time state champion at Marshall High School. Morgan was named to the 2023 MNVBCA Class AAA All-State team and a Volleyball AAU All-American in national competition in 2023. Bjella was a three-sport athlete competing in basketball and softball for Marshall High. Morgan is a two-time state qualifier with the Marshall basketball team and was named an All-Conference softball player in her sophomore and junior seasons. Morgan is currently undecided on a major. She is the daughter of former Minnesota State wrestler and baseball player Brian Bjella and her mother Krista.

"Athletes developing in the Marshall volleyball program know how to win, understand the game at a high level and embrace their role while doing all they can to help the team succeed," Phelps said. "Morgan is a breath of fresh air and her competitiveness and determination will strengthen our program."

Avery Klein is a 5-foot-10-inch right side hitter from New Prague, Minn. Avery earned MNVBCA Class AAAA All-State and All-Metro second team honors this season as a senior for New Prague High School. As a junior, Klein was an AAU All-Star and was named to the Metro West All-Conference Team. Avery sits second in all-time digs and fourth in all-time kills for New Prague High School. Klein plans to study business at Minnesota State. Her parents are Ryan and Dana Klein.

"Avery has been the go-to attacker for a very long time," said Phelps. "She has experience playing on both pins and has played front row and back throughout her tenure. Her shot-making ability and terminal offensive mindset will improve our diversity in the front row and help us compete against the best in the conference."

Jadyn Lester is a 5-foot-10-inch setter from Rochester, Minn. At Rochester Mayo High School, Lester was an All-Conference setter for three straight years (2021-23) and was named to the MNVBCA Class AAAA All-State team. Jadyn was also an all-conference athlete in Track & Field in field events. Lester is a four-year Student Government representative at Mayo High School. Jadyn is currently undecided on a major and her parents are Mike and Jodie Lester.

"Jadyn grew up around the game and has a great volleyball IQ. Her length and quickness combined with the ability to run an offense will have an immediate impact on the Maverick offensive potency," said Coach Phelps. "Jadyn also brings intangibles that raise the level of her teammates' play. She is an optimistic and steadying force on the floor which is sure to increase the program's mental toughness and resiliency."

Manca Oštir is a 5-foot-11-inch middle blocker from Vransko, Slovenia. Oštir was a national runner-up in the U19 Division in Slovenia in 2023. In 2021 and 2022, Manca was a national bronze medalist in the U17 Division. In 2022, she was a national runner-up in the Open Division 1.B DOL and finished with 102 kills, 41 blocks and 10 aces. This year, Manca placed fourth in the Open Division 1.B DOL and recorded 117 kills, 20 blocks and 24 service aces as the leading attacking middle in the league with a .440 hitting percentage. Oštir has been a team captain at nearly every level of her playing career. Manca plans to study Psychology at Minnesota State. Her parents are Denis and Sergeja Oštir.

"Manca is a dynamic, knowledgeable and driven young woman who is excited to prove herself in the talent-laden NSIC," said Phelps. "Her power, vision, and grit will have her challenging for a starting role early in her time as a Maverick. She is a kind and thoughtful person who understands the value of hard work and self-development. I am confident that she will bring positive changes to this program that we may not even see coming."

Shayna Van Dyken is a 5'11" outside hitter from Hull, Iowa. Van Dyken is a two-time state champion in Iowa's 3A Division at Western Christian High School and was named to the 2023 All State Tournament team, as well as the 3A All State First Team. Her senior year, Van Dyken recorded 407 kills and 40 blocks and was the top producer for the Wolfpack in the State Championship match. Shayna plans to study business at Minnesota State and her parents are Jay and Kim Van Dyken. Both of Shayna's parents were athletes at Dordt University.

"These four athletes are a big step forward for our program in the right direction. They are genuine, team-first, high culture women who understand what it takes to excel on and off the court. It's a special group and we can't wait to have them on campus."
 

Name	Position	Height	Hometown/High School
Morgan Bjella	RS	5' 10"	Marshall, Minn. / Marshall High School
Avery Klein	RS	5' 10"	New Prague, Minn. / New Prague High School
Jadyn Lester	S	5' 10"	Rochester, Minn. / Rochester Mayo
Manca Oštir	MB	5' 10"	Vransko, Slovenia / I. Gimanzija v Celju
Shayna Van Dyken	OH	5' 11"	Hull, Iowa / Western Christian High School