Mitchell, S.D. – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) announced the 2024 GPAC Volleyball All-Conference Team selections this morning. Kayleigh Hybertson gained First Team and GPAC Setter of The Year. All-Conference Second Team went to Lizzie Tyler and Honorable Mentions went to junior middle blocker, Emily Dale and senior outside hitter, Abby Brunsing.
All-Conference First Team / Setter Of The Year
The Sophomore setter, Kaleigh Hybertson, had an outstanding season for the Tigers. With a total of 982 assists on the season, Hybertson averaged 9.74 assists per set, which is a key indicator of her role as the team’s primary setter. Her 2,163 career assists already place her in elite company, showcasing her consistency and skill in running the offense. She also contributed defensively with 306 digs on the season, showing her all-around game. As a setter, being able to dig well and transition quickly into offense is a crucial trait. Her 32 serve aces highlight her service game, providing a direct point-scoring threat from the serving line. Though her primary focus is setting, Hybertson also contributed with 82 kills, adding another dimension to her game when attacking from the front row. While not primarily a blocker, Hybertson’s 5 solo blocks and 50 block assists are solid, demonstrating her awareness at the net and ability to contribute defensively.
The recognition as GPAC Setter of the Year is a testament to her playmaking abilities. She stood out not just in terms of numbers, but also in her leadership on the court. Hybertson’s contributions in serving, digging, setting, and even blocking make her an incredibly well-rounded player. Her all-around ability and leadership were crucial in the Tigers’ success during the 2024-25 season, and her distinction as GPAC Setter of the Year solidifies her place as one of the top setters in the conference.
“Kayleigh had a great year directing our 5-1 offense. She took her leadership to a whole new level and really ran a balanced attack. It is just a reflection of how hard she works in the gym each and every day.” – Head coach Lindsay Wilber on Kayleigh’s achievements this season.
In the 2024-25 season Kayleigh was named GPAC Setter of The Week on September 30th and October 21st. Hybertson will be one of the Tigers key players returning for her junior year in the 2025-26 season.
All-Conference Second Team
Being named Second Team All-Conference in just her sophomore year is a significant achievement, and it speaks to the high level of play Lizzie Tyler brought to the court. Her leadership on the defensive end and her all-around contributions were recognized by the conference coaches, highlighting her importance to the Tigers. Lizzie currently sits in the No. 1 spot in the GPAC for digs in the 2024-25 season with 673. With 563 serve receives, Tyler was a crucial player in passing, often receiving serves from the opposition and keeping the ball in play for her team. She also contributed in the serving with 21 aces. Even though Tyler is primarily a defensive player, she contributed offensively with 57 assists and 4 kills. This highlights that she was capable of being involved in transition plays and helping set up offensive opportunities when needed.
Honorable Mention
With 261 kills across 29 games, junior middle blocker, Emily Dale, averaged 2.2 kills per set, which shows that she was a strong offensive presence for the team. Her 8 serve aces and 7 assists also indicate she contributed well in all areas of the game, not just in attacking and blocking. Her 97 total blocks (19 solo and 78 block assists) demonstrate her effectiveness at the net, both as a primary blocker and in contributing to team blocks. The balance between offense and defense in her game makes her a valuable asset to the team.
Senior outside hitter, Abby Brunsing, had a standout senior season for the Tigers, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. Her 330 kills in 29 games gives her an average of 2.89 kills per set, a strong performance that placed her as one of the team’s primary offensive threats. Her impressive career total of 977 kills now ranks her in the No. 10 spot for all-time kills at Dakota Wesleyan University, which is a notable achievement and speaks to her consistent performance over her collegiate career. Brunsing’s ability to consistently score, combined with her position on the all-time leaderboard, highlights her as a key player for DWU and a crucial leader for the Tigers this season.
To view the full GPAC Release click Here