Ogden, UT – Two Montana State University (MSU) volleyball players, senior Joelie Spelts and sophomore Nicolette Noble, have been named Big Sky Conference weekly honorees. This recognition follows their key roles in helping the Montana State team secure a pair of victories in Big Sky Conference play last week, as Google News: Weber State University reported. These wins were crucial in opening the Bobcats' Big Sky schedule.
Nicolette Noble, a sophomore from California, was specifically noted for her standout performance as the team's libero. She achieved a career-best 28 digs on Saturday during a match that took place in Georgia. MSU head volleyball coach Matt Houk commended Noble's play, stating that "Nikki had a great weekend." Coach Houk also expressed anticipation for her "continued growth in the libero position," emphasizing her development in this critical defensive role for the team. Noble was also seen celebrating with teammate Karli Heidemann in photos from a Big Sky Conference volleyball match against Montana, which occurred at Dahlberg Arena on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Joelie Spelts, a senior on the Montana State squad, was also among the players recognized for her contributions last week. While specific individual statistics for Spelts were not detailed in the report, her inclusion in the weekly honors highlights her significant impact on the team's successful start to their conference season. The Bobcats' strong performance has set an early competitive tone for their Big Sky Conference campaign.
For residents in Ogden, the Montana State team's recent schedule included a notable victory over Weber State University. This particular win for MSU was among the topics discussed in a recent episode recapping the Bobcats' athletic performances. Weber State University, being a prominent local institution, has athletic matchups—especially within the Big Sky Conference—that are closely followed by the community here. The competitive dynamics of these conference games are a key part of the regional sports landscape.
Beyond these recent volleyball achievements, Montana State University's broader athletic department has experienced other significant developments. For the fiscal year 2025, the university's Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program maintained the top operating budget among its peers, indicating a substantial financial commitment to its athletic programs. Additionally, a former Bobcat athlete successfully signed with a Canadian Football League (CFL) team. Furthermore, an ex-MSU golfer is reportedly excelling in the professional golf circuit, though specific details of their ongoing success were not fully outlined. These broader developments underscore an active and thriving athletic environment at Montana State University.
