Ally Gruber Signs With Lake Superior State

Ally Gruber didn't really have much of a say in becoming a volleyball player. The North Dakota State College of Science sophomore came by it honestly.

Gruber's sisters Katie, Sarah, Maggie and Becca all helped lead Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (MN) to state tournament appearances. Sarah went on to play at Wisconsin-Superior, Maggie played at MSU-Moorhead and Becca is an NDSCS alum that finished her career at St. Cloud State.

"I grew up watching my sisters and cousins play; they're the reason I got into it," said Gruber. "Volleyball is huge in my family and it was a legacy I couldn't wait to be a part of."

Gruber – the baby of the bunch – will add another chapter to that family legacy after signing with D2 GLIAC member Lake Superior State, choosing LSSU over NSIC and MIAC programs.

For the 5-foot-10 outside hitter, the decision was an easy one. Not only is LSSU revamping the program under head coach Dave Schmidlin, but the institution just felt right for Gruber.

"The campus is located in a beautiful, scenic area in the Upper Peninsula that felt like home," said Gruber.

With 42 blocks, Gruber leads the Wildcats and is currently third in kills (81). In her career at NDSCS, the Cats are 36-9 and she's tallied 279 kills and 165 blocks.

While her time in Wahpeton has been a great experience, Gruber feels like it won't be complete without a national tournament appearance, something that hasn't happened since 2018.

"Choosing NDSCS has allowed me to grow and meet many amazing people that I might not have if I chose to attend a 4-year immediately after high school," said Gruber. "Playing under Coach Passa the past two years has been a privilege. She pushes her players to be better players and also has a heavy emphasis on making sure they leave her program as better people, and that's what I love about playing here.

"I don't think there is a more perfect way for this group of sophomores to end our career here than making it to the national tournament."

Gruber will now join a long list of former Wildcats that will continue their volleyball career after NDSCS. She's the first D2 signee since her sister, Becca, left NDSCS for St. Cloud State.

As for what kind of player LSSU is getting in Gruber, Coach Passa has no doubt the Lakers are getting a difference maker.

"She is a mature, hard-working, kind and dedicated individual who has achieved all the goals she has set," said Passa. "I am proud of her and know she will do amazing things on and off the court. She has left her mark on NDSCS Volleyball and will be greatly missed."