Sam Mooney of Watertown receives 2026 James Farrell Award

Watertown’s Sam Mooney is among three South Dakotans to receive the 2026 James Farrell Award of Excellence, one of the highest honors provided by USA Softball for national championship hosts, according to a report from the Public Opinion.

Mooney, who serves as a USA Softball South Dakota men’s slowpitch commissioner, was recognized for her leadership in hosting the Men’s Northern D National Championship this past August. The event took place at the PREMIER Softball Complex in Watertown.

Two other South Dakotans shared the distinction during the 95th USA Softball Council Meeting. Rick Graff and Dave Nielsen of Sioux Falls People for Youth were honored for their work hosting the Northern A and B Girls Fastpitch National Championships earlier this summer.

Rehder, a 2026 graduate of Aberdeen Central High School, participated in both golf and tennis during his high school career. He is now studying mechanical engineering at North Dakota State University in Fargo.

At the collegiate level, Northern State University athletes continue to secure prominent regional placements. Sloan Johannsen, a junior from Watertown competing in the 125-pound weight class, was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Wrestler of the Week.

Three Northern State volleyball players earned first-team All-NSIC honors. The recipients include sophomore outside hitter Katelyn Schroeder of Tulare, redshirt junior setter Ava Nilsson of Mansfield, and redshirt junior outside hitter Linnea Nesheim of Sioux Falls.

Athlete	Position	Key Statistics
Ava Nilsson	Setter	1,208 assists, 254 digs, 38 aces
Katelyn Schroeder	Outside Hitter	418 kills, 302 digs, 36 block assists
Linnea Nesheim	Outside Hitter	2,372 kills, 25 blocks, 171 digs

Nilsson and Nesheim both moved up from the All-NSIC second team last year. The Northern State volleyball team is scheduled to begin play in the NSIC Tournament this Tuesday.

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