Harrisburg Tigers Seek Fifth Straight State Title Amid National Recruitment Surge
The program's 87-game winning streak and recent national tournament invitations have drawn attention from Division I scouts and local recruits.
By Fatima Saleh ·
The Harrisburg High School volleyball team enters its state championship match next weekend seeking a fifth consecutive title. The Tigers have secured seven South Dakota state championships since 2005, with their current streak covering the last four years. This run includes an 87-match winning sequence that has established the program as a regional standard.
The team’s domestic dominance has translated into national visibility. Harrisburg has received invitations to one of the country's most prestigious prep volleyball tournaments on two separate occasions. In both instances, the squad posted strong records against top competitors from across the nation. This exposure has placed the school on the radar of major collegiate programs.
NCAA Division I teams now make regular stops to evaluate the Tigers. The recruitment pipeline has become active, with several players receiving serious interest. Josalyn Samuels has committed to the University of Nebraska, a perennial power in the sport, for the fall semester. Sophomore Julia Masselink is expected to attract offers when she becomes eligible to commit in June.
Head coach Ronette Costain oversees this success without relying on traditional motivational tactics. She stated that the team’s internal drive eliminates the need for extra pep talks. "They’re just driven. I don’t have to motivate them, " Costain said. "They’ve got a taste of it (success) and they like it."
Costain views the program’s output as a foundation for future athletes in the state. She aims to replicate the inspiration provided by former South Dakota stars Bergen Riley and Taryn Kloth. "We honor them in this program even though they didn't go to this school. They opened up doors for young girls here in South Dakota and we take that very seriously, " Costain said.
She emphasized that the goal extends beyond individual trophies. "It’s not about what we’re doing but what we’re hopefully doing for everybody in the state as a whole, " Costain added. The team will compete in the state final next weekend to determine if the four-year winning streak extends to a fifth year.
The program’s trajectory reflects a shift in how small-market high school teams attract talent and attention. The combination of consistent results and national exposure has created a sustainable model for developing player interest in the region.
