Union senior Aubrey Gates (front row, center) surrounded by her fellow Knights volleyball teammates on Nov. 11 in the high school gym as she signs her official commitment to continue her athletic career at the University of Sioux Falls next volleyball season. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

With her family, friends, coaches, and teammates gathered around her in the Union High School gym on Friday, Nov. 11, senior student-athlete Aubrey Gates signed to continue her athletic career at the University of Sioux Falls (USF) next school year.

“The culture of the school … and the coaching staff. They were very welcoming. … The intensity of the overall competition,” Gates said when asked why she chose to sign with USF.

Gates is only the second Knights volleyball player under longtime head coach Brian Jesse to sign with an NCAA Division II school — the first being Maria Wrage, who signed with Winona State after helping lead the Knights to the Class 3A state tournament in 2014.

Following in Wrage’s footsteps, Gates also led her team to the 3A state tournament this year during which the No. 8 Knights — after setting a school record of 42 victories in a single season — lost to No. 1 Des Moines Christian Lions in the opening quarterfinal round.

Gates, an outside hitter, started all 52 matches in 2022 for the Knights — notching 276 digs, 58 blocks, 599 kills (No. 1 in Class 3A), and a hitting percentage of .340.

Union student-athlete Aubrey Gates, center, is pictured in the high school gym on Nov. 11 as she signs her official commitment to continue her volleyball career at the University of Sioux Falls. Gates is joined by her parents Jason and Jennifer Gates. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Watching Gates play in round one of the state tournament this year was a lesson in grit, perseverance, and leaving it all on the floor — a masterful performance that went to four sets during which she recorded 29 kills, 12 digs and two blocks.

In addition to playing volleyball for the USF Cougars, Gates said she plans to major in exercise science and minor in business.

Union senior Aubrey Gates, seated center, is pictured with the Union Knights volleyball coaching staff as she signs her official commitment to continue her athletic career at the University of Sioux Falls. Pictured, clockwise from back left, are: head coach Brian Jesse and assistant coaches Barry Jesse, Hannah Gates and Beth Harting. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER