Jan/Feb 2026 Vessel Magazine

Volume 13 Issue 3

Jan/Feb 2026

03 Writers 05 USF Concert Chorale’s Trip to Italy

07 Senior Spotlight 09 Bubba Tann lll 10 USF Tennis 11 USF FCA 13 Addison Van Zee 14 Spiral Bound 15 The Code Behind the Website

Cover Photo courtesy of Dave DeHoogh-Kliewer

Aryana Dokter

Reece Scott

Toby Knutson

Elizabeth Schmidt

Abigael Olson

Ella Hancock

Cooper Garber

Camryn Kennedy

Emma Edwards

Andrew Frohwein

The University of Sioux Fall’s Concert Chorale embarked on a performance tour to Italy over winter break. The choir visited four major cities including Rome, Assisi, Florence, and Venice experiencing many sites and tourist attractions along the way.The choir began their travels on January 2, 2026 taking a charter bus to Minneapolis for their first flight out.

After some delays and eight hours in the Paris airport, they finally arrived in Rome, Italy. In Rome, they experienced the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon.

The choir director, Dr. Dave DeHoogh-Kliewer, said that his favorite memory was at the first church the choir performed. He mentioned that the choir had great attitudes the entire trip. “At no point was this attitude more apparent than when we provided music for a luncheon hosted by the priest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Angeli E E Dei Martiri for people experiencing homelessness. Our students sing and perform with spirit, even while jet-lagged and with soggy socks and shoes, giving of themselves to honor those who are marginalized. I’m so proud of our students!”

The choir also had the opportunity to sing during mass at St. Peter’s Basilica which is at the heart of Vatican City. This was an incredible opportunity for the choir to share their gift of singing with fellow believers in Christ.

The choir continued on to Assisi where they sang a joint concert with Cappella Musicale dell Basilica Papale di San Francisco at the Basilica of St. Francis. This opportunity for collaboration helps the students to experience other cultures.

The students enjoyed lots of opportunities to explore the small medieval town and experience the culture and food.

The choir spent four days in Florence.

There, they sang for Epiphany mass and had another joint concert with the

Menura Vocal Ensemble. This ensemble’s director composed one of the songs that the choir took on tour entitled, “O Magnum Mysterium.” Additionally, they took a tour of the museum, Galleria dell’Accademia, where the famous statue David

by Michelangelo is housed. Students also had time to explore the city and choose their own adventures.

Finally, the choir visited Venice. There, they participated in a mass service at a local church. They also celebrated the trip with one final meal with their tour guide, Elisabetta. Mitchel Groote, a senior choir member, reflected on the trip.

Groote said, “My favorite part was the freedom to explore foreign cities. Singing in those cathedral spaces is unique because we get to resonate with multiple centuries old acoustics. This was by far the smoothest USF tour I’ve had to date.”

Dr. Dave DeHoogh-Kliewer reflects on why it is important to perform internationally. “International travel provides our students with perspective, historical and cultural, noting that people around the world have much in common.

Photos of USF Concert Chorale singing and eating in different cities across Italy

USF Concert Chorale’s Trip to Italy BY: ARYANA DOKTER

Photos by Dave DeHoogh-Kliewer and Jonathan Neiderhiser

The way we live our lives may differ but all people eat, sleep, work, and need beauty. We shared our offering of love with people through our music ministry and that sense of compassion was reciprocated by audiences ten-fold,” said DeHoogh-Kliewer.

The University of Sioux Falls Concert Chorale tours every other year internationally and is a great opportunity for students to experience other cultures and sing in beautiful places.

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S e n i o r A Home in By: Toby Knutson

College is a leap into the unknown. New environments, new people, and new challenges can make the transition daunting, but finding a place to belong can make all the difference. For seniors Em Mercer and Mitchel Groote, that place was the theater department at the University of Sioux Falls.

Em Mercer, a double major in English and Art and double minoring in Theater and Media Studies, transferred to USF the Spring semester of her Freshman year. “I was terrified I wouldn’t meet anyone,” Mercer said. “But the theater community instantly welcomed me and within a few weeks, I was participating in theater events.” Mercer started her theater career at USF portraying Lady Larken in the musical, Once Upon a Mattress. Since then, she has made many memories including the hours spent doing choreo intensives on Saturdays, countless late night restaurant runs, and staying late after rehearsals painting the sets. Mercer has also enjoyed getting to meet many of her closest friends through theater, including her now fiancé, Nathan Elias.

Mitchel Groote, a double major in Music Performance and Communication Studies and Theater, threw himself into the theater community his freshman year. Being involved with both mainstage shows (Loves, Labours, Lost and Once Upon a Mattress), Mo Plastow’s senior show (The Last Five Years), and auditioning for Paris Whalen’s senior show (The Other Side) at the end of the year. When reflecting on his first year, he remembers the upperclassmen who were role models for him. “It was fun being accepted into the theater experience at USF,” Groote said. “I

Photo creds: Madeline Fremarek

Spotlight

the Theater

learned a lot about my role in theater, not only here at USF, but getting an overall better perspective on theater.”

Groote enjoys watching people get to do the same with current freshmen. “It’s a cycle that never ends, and it’s a good way to establish bonds within a program.” After finding a sense of belonging themselves, both Mercer and Groote now look back with clarity, offering advice to freshmen still taking their first steps into the unknown. “Don’t be nervous,” Mercer said. “Theater people, especially here at USF, are some of the best people you’re ever going to meet, and being able to build these kinds of relationships is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Groote encourages freshmen to not bite off more than they can chew. “It’s really easy (as a freshman) to want to pile everything on and take on as many projects as you can,” Groote said. “It can be hard on you. And it’s all right to take on a smaller role for the sake of your own stability, but also (your) general well being.

It’s better to do a little bit than none, but it’s also better to do a little bit than too much.”

The theater department at USF represents more than the performances and rehearsals, it offers a place of connection and belonging. For Mercer and Groote, theater became a foundation for friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable college experiences.

Their stories show how taking a chance on something new can turn uncertainty into purpose. As each new class of students steps onto campus, the theater community continues to open its doors, giving others the opportunity to find their place and create memories that will last well beyond their time at USF.

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Bubba Tann III

By: Camryn Kennedy

Bubba Tann preparing for the competition against Black Hills State University

Redshirt Junior Bubba Tann III, a running back for the University of Sioux Falls football team, finished the 2025 fall season successfully.

Coming off a knee injury, Tann has paved a way for his success. Entering the football program as a freshman, Tann faced the reality many young athletes face, learning from the sidelines. Not seeing the field early on in his collegiate career gave Tann more time to grow in other ways. He focused on mastering the playbook, developing strength and understanding the pace and physicality of collegiate football.

Coming into sophomore season Tann said, “I was ready.” Beginning to trickle his way into the rotation of running backs, he showed up and showed out whenever his number was called.

His runs were decisive, physical and confident.

He proved that his time spent waiting had not been wasted. Coaches and teammates quickly took notice of his work ethic and ability to make the most of every opportunity.

At the end of his sophomore year Tann suffered a knee injury. “I was discouraged, but I knew I was going to be alright,” said Tann. He took the summer to recover and as soon as his junior year came into fruition, Tann was eager to get out on the field. He excelled during the fall season by becoming the Athlete of the Week during September. In November, he was honored with the Athlete of the Month with 454 offensive yards, four touchdowns, and three 100+ yard games. Throughout the whole fall season, Tann’s statistics were sky high with 938 rushing yards and 116 receiving yards, making his overall yardage come out to 1,054. With a total of 10 touchdowns, Tann created his best season yet and was even selected for the AllConference second team. Asked how he felt about his performance for the season, he said, “I give all the glory to God, my coach and my offensive line.” Now that fall season has come to an end, he is looking forward to putting in work and perfecting his craft in preparation for his senior year.

For more information on Bubba Tann and the USF Cougars Football team, visit https://usfcougars.com/.

Photo Courtesy of Jurgens Photography

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By: Ella Hancock

The University of Sioux Falls women’s tennis team amps up their excitement as their 2026 season begins. The USF team hosted their opening conference matches on February 13 and 14 at their home courts, located at Huether Family Match Pointe. They faced off against the newest addition to their conference, Jamestown, and also met the University of Mary the following day. Head Coach of the USF women’s team for 26 years, Kevin Grebin, shared his optimism and belief in his team entering the start of their season. “This year looks great, I have a very strong team coming back filled with returners and experience; with some good incoming youth so we are excited about this year’s season.” Coach Grebin expanded on the impact

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that the senior class has had on the team and expressed his gratitude for all players within USF’s tennis program. “My seniors have had the most positive impact I’ve ever seen before in a group. The makeup and quality of my players that come into this program are a joy to be around and I will stay here for as long as that continues to be.”

The 2026 class has four individuals who have remained at USF for all four years of their college career, with one redshirt senior, Emily Thinnsen, capping off her five year career at USF. From an even closer insider perspective, as a player herself, Thinnsen shared her personal goals and hopeful desire for the team as a whole. “I want this season to look like perseverance, I want every point to be us trying our

T E N N I S

USF Tennis

best out there and we’re gonna be the team that finishes strongest, no matter what the score says.” The tight knit connection shared between the girls, shows both on and off the court, with the friendships ranging far beyond just the time spent at USF. “Tennis has not just given me a purpose of coming to school, but it has given me friends, a community, and people that I am going to have in my life for a long time,” said Thinnsen.

The USF women’s tennis team was ranked third in preseason rankings and is encouraged and dedicated to possessing their goals this season. For more information on the women’s tennis team schedule, visit usfcougars. com and be sure to come out to support your Cougar’s tennis team this semester!

2026 senior womens tennis players (Left to Right) Emma Rangel, Ella Hancock, Emily Thinnsen, Sydney Osburn

USF FCA By: Cooper Garber

USF has many different resources to explore faith. However there is only one that focuses on athletes. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCA, is an organization that provides the ability for student athletes to explore faith through worship and bible study.

FCA was founded in 1954 and has taken off ever since, with chapters in 115 countries. USF’s FCA organization has a strong following which grows every semester.

When asked about FCA and what brought him to be an FCA leader, Cade Morse said, “I saw it was a great opportunity to connect with others on campus and grow my faith.” FCA not only helps student athletes grow in faith but also helps people connect and grow relationships.

Morse also said, “I liked that it’s athlete based.

I can connect with the messages the same way others do.” Being able to connect with

other athletes is huge for student athletes, especially when it is coming from a faith standpoint. FCA meets every Monday night at 7:00 p.m. in the library and is excited to welcome more people this semester. A new year brings new opportunities and FCA can be the place for you.

To connect with people and bring yourself closer to the bible, FCA is the perfect place for student athletes.

FCA worship night at the new FCA Sioux Falls headquarters on Feb 9th.

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Addison Van Zee

Addison Van Zee is a sophomore forward from Ham Lake, Minnesota on the University of Sioux Falls women’s soccer team. Van Zee was a key player for the Cougars this fall, scoring a career high eight goals and receiving All-NSIC Second Team Honors. She started in all 18 contests, where she played in 1197 minutes of action. She was a key part in the Cougars’ historic fall campaign, as they set records in their most wins, most goals, and most points for a season.

Van Zee racked up multiple team records, including most goals in a single season, most points in a single season, most goals in a single game, most points in a single game, and most game-winning goals in a season. She received three Dave & Buster’s USF Athlete of the Week honors, the USF September Athlete of the Month, was the USF women’s soccer Player of the Year, the USF women’s soccer Offensive Player of the Year, was named to the NSIC All-Academic team, and earned All-NSIC Second Team Honors.

To prepare for the fall season, Van Zee played on a summer Women’s Premiere Soccer League (WPSL) team, ran, and lifted every day. “Playing WPSL helped me play games consistently and stay fit over the summer,” Van Zee said. Her freshman year, she was recovering from an ankle injury. The biggest difference for Van Zee in her sophomore season was that she was finally healthy and trusted her body. Soccer is all about mindset, and she was more confident in her skills and abilities on the pitch this fall season. “I approach practice like it’s a game. I practice how I want to play. This makes games easier, because I have been preparing in every practice like it is a game,” Van Zee said.

Van Zee’s favorite game this season was the Cougars senior day comeback win against the Wayne State Wildcats. The team came back from a one-goal deficit at halftime to win two to one. Van Zee scored both goals, scoring the tying goal just one minute into the second half and the second one 20 minutes later. Her favorite memory from the season was traveling to Concordia St. Paul. Van Zee saw her family, went to the Mall of America with her team, and ate lunch at one of the seniors’ houses. She is looking forward to competing in the spring soccer season, which recently started on January 19, 2026. “I am excited to get better and have the team grow closer so we can keep improving for next fall.”

By: Elizabeth Schmidt Photo Courtesy of Jurgens Photography

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Spiral Bound By: Abigael Olson

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Coo Cinema Club’s latest short film, “spiral bound,” officially released on December 9th, 2025.

Written, directed, and edited

by Coo Cinema Club President Abigael Olson, the film follows college senior Dorothea (played

by Em Mercer) as she navigates the creation of her capstone project and the anxieties that come with it.

Dorothea is joined by her best friend Val (Kadie Huls), who organizes a road trip to try and distract Dorothea from her spiral.

Along the way, she gets tough love and advice from her friends, Mars (Kali Knakmuhs) and Jules (Bethany Dunkle), and her sister Rory (Faith Holmen).

“To me, ‘spiral bound’ is about the importance of female friendships, especially in times that are difficult or tumultuous,” says lead actress Em Mercer. “It insists upon leaning on those relationships and finding the beauty in life through the people you love.” “spiral bound” began filming in mid-October and was largely produced and edited throughout the month of November. The Coo Cinema Club held an on-

Photo provided by Abigael Olson

campus premiere in Big Z as the film was simultaneously uploaded to their YouTube channel. The premiere also featured a Q&A panel featuring Em Mercer, Kadie Huls, Kali Knakmuhs, Bethany Dunkle, Abigael Olson, and composer Trinity Tague, along with a comedic Behind-the-Scenes video by Charlie Wood and Faith Holmen, now available on the Coo Cinema Club’s YouTube channel.

The film recently screened at LiftOff Global Network’s Filmmaker Sessions Film Fest and is being considered for several other entrylevel festivals. “spiral bound” will also be featured at USF’s Undergraduate Research Symposium during the coffee break at 10:40 AM in the library.

The Code Behind the Websites By: Reece Scott

Have you ever wondered how the webpages you look at everyday are made? Every button, image, and block of text you see exists because someone wrote code to put it there.

That work is called web programming, and it is exactly what students learn in COM 215 – Web Programming, here at the University of Sioux Falls. The course is taught by Professor Shawn Chiappetta, who has been teaching for 25 years and has been at USF since learning a little bit of everything needed to 2003. COM 215 is, relatively speaking, make the web work. Students also get handsa newer class, created no more than on experience with tools used in real jobs, such five years ago, as the web continues as code editors, design helpers like color tools, to play a bigger role in everyday life, and online resources that professional developers business, and communication. use daily. Past students have created impressive At its core, web programming is about projects, including full restaurant websites and building and managing websites. This applications. Some have even used the skills from includes the visual parts you see on this class to land internships or work with local the screen, like layout, colors, images organizations to further pursue this line of work. and text, as well as the behind the Web programming can be challenging, especially scenes work that makes websites since it requires both technical and creative respond when you click, scroll, or thinking, but Professor Chiappetta encourages submit information. COM 215 focuses students to explore and experiment. His advice on what is known as “full stack” web is simple, don’t just use the web, study it. Pay development. This means students attention to why websites look and work the learn both sides of a website. On the way they do. Build things, break them, fix them, front end, which is what most people and keep learning. So the next time you load a see and interact with, they work with website, like this one, you will know there is code HTML and CSS coding to structure and behind every part of it. COM 215 gives students a style pages, along with some JavaScript chance to learn how that code works and how to to add interaction. On the back end create something others can see, click, and use which most never see, they learn how every day. servers, scripts and databases work using tools like PHP and SQL. Together, these skills allow students to build real, working websites from start to finish. By the end of the course, students leave with practical skills they can actually use.

Web programming teaches more than just code. It builds problem-solving, design thinking, and the ability to break large problems into smaller ones.

According to Professor Chiappetta, Com 215 - Web Programming, taught by Prof. Shawn students become “jack-of-all-trades,” Chiappetta

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