BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA – Ellianna Baumstarck, a sophomore volleyball player at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, has signed a letter of intent to continue her athletic career at Bismarck State University, an NAIA institution in Bismarck, North Dakota. The move brings Baumstarck closer to family in the region and marks a new chapter following a successful, though physically challenging, two-year stint with the Trappers.
The decision to transfer was heavily influenced by family ties. “The thing that got me looking at them in the first place is I have a ton of family around that area,” Baumstarck said. She noted the importance of being near loved ones, particularly given the challenges of competing as a student-athlete far from home.
Baumstarck’s recruitment by Bismarck State University began with contact from coach Kyle Kuether, leading to a campus visit where she was impressed by the facilities and the overall atmosphere. “I love the campus,” she stated. “It’s a super big campus, all of their facilities were super nice. They just built a new arena. I got to talk to the coaches and some of the girls, and it just clicked so well up there… It was just a really good school and I just kind of felt like it was a place I can call home for the next two years. It was comfortable.”
Baumstarck’s journey to Bismarck State follows a two-year period at Northwest College, a relatively short distance from her hometown of Worland, Wyoming. She appreciated the proximity to family during her time with the Trappers. “It was so close to home,” she explained. “If I wanted to go see my family, I could, and they could easily come watch my games. I loved it here.”
Despite enjoying her experience at Northwest College, Baumstarck faced physical hurdles during her time there, battling hip issues that impacted her performance. She persevered, however, and demonstrated improvement throughout her sophomore year. She recently underwent surgery to address the hip problem and anticipates a several-month recovery period, with hopes of being ready to compete for a middle blocking position in the fall.
Baumstarck’s connection to Bismarck State University extends beyond her own recruitment. Her sister, Emily Baumstarck, previously played volleyball at Northwest College and later transferred to the University of Mary, also located in Bismarck. Emily’s experience provided Ellianna with some insight into the area and the collegiate athletic environment. “It was nice, because I knew what to expect in a way from what she said,” Ellianna noted. “But also, it was different teams, and I’m kind of in a different program of study and different interests, it was a new experience for me.”
During her freshman season at Northwest College, Baumstarck contributed as both a middle blocker and outside hitter, recording 12 kills and 17 total blocks (four solo) in 15 matches. Recognizing the need to make a stronger impression during a challenging recruiting cycle following a coaching change in April, Baumstarck dedicated herself to improving her performance in her sophomore year.
“I knew it was going to be more of a battle this year, we had really late recruiting and a whole new team,” Baumstarck said. “I knew that I would have to step it up, because we had all these new people and a new coach, and everything. I knew that I really wanted to play on, so that was a motivator to really make sure that I made an impression this season, that coaches could look out for.”
Her efforts paid off in her sophomore season, where she played in 21 matches, significantly increasing her offensive and defensive contributions with 90 kills and 83 total blocks, including 48 solo blocks. She credited her teammates for their support in achieving these results. “I had a good team to back me up and help me with those blocks,” she said. “I had them telling me where to go. It was really great to have their help.”
Baumstarck highlighted the defensive skills and court awareness she developed during her time at Northwest College. She plans to major in behavioral health, with aspirations of pursuing a career in either occupational therapy or behavioral therapy.
Despite her excitement about joining Bismarck State University, Baumstarck expressed fondness for Northwest College and its impact on her personal and athletic development. “I love Northwest. It’s made such an impact on everything and I’m really going to miss it,” she said. “I’m excited to see how the girls do next year with the continued rebuilding program. I’ll be supporting them from afar.”
Bismarck State University’s volleyball team, the Mystics, finished the previous season with a 5-22 record in the Frontier Conference. Baumstarck’s addition to the roster is expected to bolster their performance as they continue to rebuild their program.
