VALLEY CITY, ND  (NewsDakota.com)  Valley City State found it’s next head volleyball coach just 75 miles away, and under a rival’s umbrella.

Viking volleyball will be led by Michelle Meiklejohn in 2023, bringing a solid track record as a top assistant in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) while on staff at Mayville State University for the past nine seasons.

Meiklejohn is a three-time North Star Athletic Association Assistant Coach of the Year – including this past season – and a two-time North Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year.

“Michelle has proven herself as a top assistant coach in our conference, and it’s time for her to lead her own program,” said Viking Athletic Director Dennis McCulloch. “We are excited to have her join Viking Athletics.”

Meiklejohn leaves a Comet program that was rocked by the unexpected non-renewal of 15-year head coach Lindsey Johnson earlier this month.  The move has spurred demonstrations and marches on the Mayville State campus.

“The support from administration, athletic department, faculty and staff has already been so overwhelming,” Meiklejohn said. “Thank you to President LaFave, Athletic Director Dennis McCulloch, and the hiring committee for believing in me and offering my family this opportunity.”

Meiklejohn is a native of Oakes, and is the daughter of Don and long-time Tornado volleyball head coach Kathy Warren.  Meiklejohn’s husband, Jared, is an alumnus of Valley City State University and Viking baseball.

As a player, Meiklejohn competed for two seasons at Mayville State and two seasons at North Dakota State College of Science. At Mayville, she was recognized as a NSAA Scholar-Athlete and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fitness and wellness. She also holds a master’s degree in health, nutrition and exercise science from North Dakota State University.

While at NDSCS, Meiklejohn was a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and basketball where she was a member of a conference and regional championship volleyball team. She was also named to the MonDak All-Academic Team.

Meiklejohn replaces Brigitte Greywater, who’s contract was non-renewed after this past season.  The hiring was likely a windfall to replace a coach with a current roster that had assets needing a specific knowledge of the region in the next head coach.

Eleven of the 12 players on the current roster are from North Dakota.  The lone senior from 2022, Bailey Nelson, has a remaining year of eligibility due to Covid exemptions, and will return.   Three incoming players from this year’s signing class are in-state players, placing emphasis on finding a coach that was familiar with North Dakota volleyball.

The Vikings signed Gracie Schumacher, Reagan Bogenreif, and Eden Carrier this past fall.  Schumacher was an all-state selection from Linton, ND who notched her 3,000th assist this season.  Bogenreif won a state title with West Fargo Sheyenne, and was a first-team all state selection in the fall, along with two all-state tournament and all-Eastern Dakota Conference selections. Carrier was a two-time all Region II selection from Cavalier

The addition of Mardi Scutchings, a 6-foot middle transfer from Lake Region State College, could add instant depth at a key position this fall.  Scutchings is a native of Kelvington, SK.  Sadie Stroeing has also committed to the Vikings.  Stroeing was a three-time all conference selection from Detroit Lakes, MN.