South Dakota State: Hero's with the last Zero

At the start of this year South Dakota State Volleyball was out of sight out of mind. After holding a losing record of 9-20last season, they were picked sixth in the Summit League pre-season poll this year. But they have refused to be ignored this time around. The Jackrabbits currently hold a 22-0 record and remain THE ONLY team in Division I NCAA Volleyball to stay UNDEFEATED! What’s the secret? What could have possibly taken this program from zero to hero within the span of one off-season?

Key player, sophomore, outside hitter Sylvie Zgonc, said “It’s night and day looking at last year compared to this year” and the 180 flip is all thanks to their revamped team culture. Zgonc noted that a group of seven returning players helped build a strong foundation during the offseason, focusing on rebuilding their culture and commitment to success.

Mixed in to this returning core was a standout freshman class and a group of talented transfers ready to hit the ground running. “I think our personalities all gel really well together and you can tell on the court we have so much fun for each other” added Zgonc.

However, this team’s success comes from more than just good vibes and fun. The Jackrabbits are laser-focused, refusing to celebrate their victories for too long or look too far ahead. Zgonc explained the team’s Monday film room ritual: “We focus on the weekend and what we did, but once we get back in the gym on Monday, it’s all about preparing for the next opponent.”

Freshman standout Madison Burr, who’s been a big presence for SDSU in the middle, agreed with Zgonc’s assessment but kept the bigger picture in mind. Going undefeated was never their goal. Instead, she defined, “Our goal is to win a conference championship, go to the NCAA tournament, and just have fun while doing it.”

Despite their perfect record, the Jackrabbits aren’t distracted by rankings or the nerves of breaking their golden streak. For Burr, the journey continues with an eye on the Summit League title. Their rivalry rematch against the University of South Dakota seems to be the only thing potentially standing in their way. But even after a grueling five-set battle during their last meetup there are no nerves in sight for the Jackrabbits. "Having USD as our last regular season game is going to be a lot of fun, and I think we are all looking forward to it,” she said.

As the Jackrabbits continue their historic run, one thing is clear: they are driven not by outside expectations but by the goals they set for themselves on the 1^st of January. Goals of going farther than any other SDSU Volleyball team before. That mindset, paired with the chemistry this squad has shown all year, I have five words for you…Look. Out. For. The. Jackrabbits.