Travis Kriens – KORN News Radio Sports Director
MITCHELL, S.D. — A year ago, the Mitchell Kernels volleyball team was a 3-win program stuck at the bottom of the Class AA standings. Fast forward to October 2025, and the Kernels are one of the hottest team in the state riding a seven-match win streak, undefeated at home, and knocking off top-ranked opponents along the way.
At 13-4 overall, Mitchell has pulled off a turnaround that’s nothing short of remarkable. The team currently sits at No. 5 in Class AA seed points and is ranked No. 5 in the South Dakota High School Volleyball Media Poll, its first appearance in the rankings this season. For a program that finished 3-20 in 2024 and 6-17 in 2023, the rise is a testament to both player development and team resilience.
The Breakthrough
Mitchell’s turnaround has been fueled by a senior-led core that has shown poise in pressure moments. The Kernels are 4-0 in five-set matches this season, a stark contrast to previous years where close sets often slipped away. Even in extra-point sets, Mitchell has thrived, winning six of their last seven sets that extended past 25 points or past 15 points in a fifth set.
“It comes down to our leaders on the team who are mentally stronger and really help the team believe that we can win,” said head coach Deb Thill. “That’s something that coaches can’t really coach, but our players can control that. They can control that mindset and our kids are doing a really good job of it.”
Among the marquee wins during this hot streak:
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A 3-2 victory over No. 5 Rapid City Stevens on Oct. 11.
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A gutsy 3-2 win over Sioux Falls Jefferson on Oct. 14, the program’s first-ever win against Jefferson in five all-time meetings.
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A 3-0 sweep over No. 4 Watertown on Oct. 16.
Statistical Leaders Fueling the Surge
Mitchell’s offense is clicking with Senior Addie Siemsen leading the way with 421 assists, 129 kills and hitting at a .289 clip, while senior Audrey Miller has delivered a team-high 156 kills. Eighth grader Nia Talley (115 kills) and senior Kambyl Wede (92 kills) round out a balanced attack.
On defense, the Kernels have collected 934 digs, led by senior Kenna Soulek with 242 digs, followed by Talley and Siemsen, who each contribute over 170. At the net, junior Kenzie Hetland has emerged as a blocking force with 60 total blocks, while Wede and Siemsen add 40+ blocks each.
The team’s serving efficiency has also played a major role. Mitchell holds a 88% serving percentage, with Soulek, Talley, and Siemsen all delivering high-ace rates with minimal errors.
Home Court Dominance
A major part of Mitchell’s success this season has come at home, where the Kernels are 7-0.
“We’ve been flying under the radar a little bit this season,” Thill said. “I think people are starting to notice us a little bit.”
Postseason Hopes Are Real
After missing the SoDak 16 in each of the past two seasons, Mitchell is now well-positioned to not only qualify, but potentially host a match. The Kernels are also chasing their first state tournament appearance since 2018.
Upcoming road tests include Tuesday’s matchup at Aberdeen Central (12-9) and games at Tea Area, Brandon Valley, and O’Gorman, the latter two among the state’s elite. But Mitchell has already shown it can battle with the best.
With momentum on their side and a veteran group leading the way, the Kernels aren’t just a comeback story, they’re becoming a legitimate contender.