By: Paxton Ritchie
CSC Sports Information Director
CHADRON, Neb. – With a season-opening home classic just two weeks away, Chadron State volleyball has bolstered their roster with seven newcomers (three transfers and four freshmen) ahead of the upcoming 2025 season.
"We are really excited about how our 2025 class came together," head coach Jennifer Stadler said. "Every single one of them fits in seamlessly into our culture, will add depth to our roster, brings competitive grit, are at a high level academically and are all incredible humans that we can't wait to integrate into our program."
All three of the transfers are 5-foot-11 hitters who are expected to help the Eagles in the front row after two starters up front graduated this past season.
Senior Shelbi Hazlitt, a native of McCook whose parents and an aunt were athletes at Chadron State, joins the Eagles after previous stops at Nebraska-Kearney and Coe College (Division III), gaining NCAA tournament experience at both schools. Hazlitt joined the Eagles in January and has participated in spring workouts. Coach Stadler said she will add depth and leadership in the middle and has a strong work ethic.
"My parents and aunt have always talked so highly of this place," Hazlitt said. "In the short time I've been here, Chadron has made me feel accepted and cared for."
Gibson Beckler of Conway, Missouri, had 487 kills and 502 digs while playing six rotations at junior college Missouri State-West Plains over the past two years. Her team had a 37-6 record last fall and finished in the top five at the junior college national tournament in 2024. She received all-conference and all-region honors both years she played at West Plains and will bring high volleyball IQ, according to Stadler.
"I come from a school where community is important, and Chadron gives me the same feeling," Beckler said. "The Eagle fans do a lot for the community, which makes me want to be a part of that relationship."
The third transfer is Chloe Grady, a native of Hawaii, who was on the roster at Western Nebraska Community College at Scottsbluff the past two years, and racked up 257 kills and 179 blocks.
"Chloe has experience in more than one position, so her versatility will be a big advantage for us," Stadler said. "I am excited to see what she can do as she continues to grow and refine her game."
Of the 2025 class's four freshman, three are from the state of Nebraska. Two of them — Jillian Donovan of Lincoln Lutheran and Brandi Helzer of Oakland-Craig — are also 5-foot-11 and were both two-time Class C-2 all-state selections while playing on outstanding teams.
Donovan was credited with more than 2,000 assists as the setter on three straight Class C-2 state tournament championship teams. The Warriors had a 102-5 win-loss record during that stretch. She holds the school records for most single match and single season assists and earned a Max Preps Volleyball Player of the Week award.
"Jillian has experienced a lot of success at the setter position and has a track record of running an effective and efficient offense," Stadler said. "She is fantastic in the classroom and an incredible person and teammate."
Helzer's Oakland-Craig team qualified for the state tournament each of the last four years. As a senior last fall, she set the C-2 state record for most kills in a season with 577. She finished her career with 1,732 kills, setting a school record, and had a .294 hitting percentage last season.
"I've wanted to attend Chadron State since my freshman year," Helzer said. "The culture of the school and the team stood out."
The other freshman recruit from Nebraska is 5-foot-8 Shelby Harding, who was a first-team all-city and a second-team Class A all-state selection while helping Lincoln Southwest qualify for the state tournament. While listed as an outside hitter, Coach Sadler said Harding is capable of playing the entire rotation.
"Shelby caught our eye with her ability to play six rotations, consistent serve receive and gritty play," Stadler said. "Her competitive spirit sets her apart and will be a great addition to the roster."
Another freshman joining the Eagles is Sydney Strode, a 5-foot-10 middle hitter from Lutheran High School at Parker, Colorado, that was a state tournament runner-up in Class 4A a year ago. She was all-state honorable mention last season and impressed the CSC coaching staff with her lateral quickness.
"Sydney is a smart and athletic middle attacker," Stadler said. "She has a lot of skills that we are excited about and are looking forward to watching her development."
The Eagle will play four games in the Chicoine Center between September 4-6, part of a classic that will be 12 games overall. After another classic the following week in Mankato, Minnesota, the Eagles open RMAC play on the road against Colorado Christian and CSU Pueblo on September 19-20.