Women’s volleyball returned home victorious from the Hampton Inn Nighthawk Classic tournament in Nampa, Idaho. The team finished 3-1, but that was not the only success they brought home. On Sept. 13, Nevada Knowles reached 2,000 career assists after the team’s win against Seattle Pacific. 

Knowles was surprised and overwhelmed with emotion when she hit 2,000 assists after their game. She had no idea that she was close to hitting that high of a number in assists. “I asked the coaches to let me know when I was close to 1,000, so I was clearly not expecting that,” she said. 

After a summer battling with grief upon the passing of her father, Knowles felt like this was an extra special accomplishment, not just for herself. She finished the Seattle Pacific game with 2,001 assists.

 Knowles explained, “I got one over which was really cool to hear because my dad passed in June of this year, so I would like to think that extra one was for him.” 

Knowles has been a key player in the team’s success this season. Senior captain Caitlin Jarrell said, “She’s very aggressive and assertive as a setter and is like a quarterback of the team. She has been a big asset of this team.”

Jarrell recalled a play that stuck out to her from their opening game. When Knowles went up to hit the ball, they tricked their opponents by setting the slide, leaving the net wide open for a kill. “I think that just like automatically defined her. She is not going to be scared to do something that is creative,” said Jarrell.

New to the team as of spring 2025, Knowles feels beyond grateful to feel so loved and celebrated. “This is the closest and most loved and most supported I have ever felt on a team.” 

At the end of the match, Knowles was immediately cheered upon and embraced by her teammates. “I was overwhelmed and just so grateful that after the summer that I had, going into the season still struggling with some grief, being surrounded by a team that is so wonderful, it was incredible, and I felt very loved,” she said. 

The team can use Knowles' accomplishment to fuel them as they start conference play. Entering the conference with one of the league’s top setters motivates the team to maximize her talent and leave their own legacy. Jarrell said, “It motivates me to create that same presence and impact.” 

 “There’s been a warmth and an acceptance from the start, and I think that’s really thanks to the coaches for fostering that kind of love and support within the program,” said Knowles. 

She said she feels she can flourish not only within the volleyball team’s culture, but in Concordia’s culture. “This being my third school, this is the warmest campus that I’ve ever been on.”

Unfortunately, this is Knowles's last season with the Golden Eagles, but she is confident the team will continue to thrive. “Which is really cool to know that you are helping foster this team, but at the same time, you are just lucky to be a part of it,” said Knowles.

To find out more information on the Women’s Volleyball team, visit https://cuigoldeneagles.com/sports/womens-volleyball.

Tags: volleyball, women's athletics, sports

---

About Jordan Vander Veen

More articles by Jordan Vander Veen