GRAND FORKS, N.D. - – The University of North Dakota's volleyball head coach Jesse Tupac announced the additions of Mackenize Dufner, Ellee McIntosh and Haley Patton to the 2026 team during National Signing Day on Wednesday, November 12.

"We couldn't be more excited to announce our 2026 class," said Tupac. Each year we go out across the country and the world in search of the highest quality human beings and volleyball players to find the perfect fit for our program.  The 2026 class is another grand slam from recruiting coordinator and assistant coach Kristen Tupac.  This group in particular is highly aligned with the values and goals of our program and will make a lasting impact during their time in Grand Forks.  This year we welcome one of the top liberos from the highly competitive state of Texas, as well as two of the top players in our great home state of North Dakota.  We are ecstatic to officially welcome Ellee, Haley, and Mac to UND.  The Fighting Hawks volleyball program got better today."

Class Breakdown:
By Position: Libero/DS (1), OH/MB (1), Setter (1)
By State: North Dakota (2), Texas (1)

Meet the Signees
Names are listed in alphabetical order:

Mackenzie Dufner | 5-11 | Setter | Minot, N.D. | Minot HS
Four-year letter winner at Minot High School… Ranked the sixth best player in the state of North Dakota according to prepdig.com… Earned Second Team All-State her junior year… Has over 1,000 career assists and was named First Team All-WDA (Western Dakota Association) her junior season… Led Minot in service aces as a freshman and led the team in assists her sophomore and junior season.

Dufner on why she chose UND:
"I chose UND because of the amazing environment this program has, from the players to the coaches, to the campus, it was all perfect for me! I am looking forward to getting to know everyone on the team and to making great memories in these upcoming years!"

Coach Tupac on Dufner:
"Mac has established herself as one of the greatest setters in North Dakota state history at the prep level.  From the first time we got to meet her, we knew she was going to be a special person and player.  Mac's commitment to being great for and with her teammates perfectly matches our values, and her ability to play the entire game will help her immediately impact our gym in a positive way.  We can't wait to have Mac competing for us this coming spring and fall."

Ellee McIntosh | 6-0 | OH/MB | West Fargo, N.D. | West Fargo HS
Four-year letter winner at West Fargo High School…No. 3 ranked player in the state of North Dakota according to prepdig.com…Three-time all-conference selection, two-time all-state honoree and a one-time AVCA all-region selection… also participated in basketball and track… Plans to major in Aviation.

McIntosh on why she chose UND:
"I chose UND because the coaches and the team made me feel welcomed right away.  I can tell it's a place that values growth on and off the court. I know UND will push me to become the best version of myself as both a student and an athlete."

Coach Tupac on McIntosh:
"It is always exciting when you are able to bring in elite talent, and even more so when that athlete comes from your home state.  Ellee is one of the most dynamic attackers and fluid all-around players in North Dakota.  Her ability to play numerous positions and to score from anywhere along the net will make her an invaluable addition to our team.  Even more importantly, she is an incredible teammate and the ultimate competitor, setting her up to thrive at the collegiate level.  We can't wait to start working with her, and to see the impact she will have on this program and her teammates."

Haley Patton | 5-7 | Libero/DS | Friendswood, Texas | Friendswood HS
Four-year letter winner at Friendswood High School…Has 1500+ digs. 144+ aces and 290+ assists in her career… Was named the District Defensive MVP her junior season…Named to the AVCA All-America Watch List this year and was an AVCA All-Region honoree her junior year… Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association Defensive Player of the Year her junior year…Three-time Under Armour  All-America Camp Series Invite… Apart of the Prep Dig Texas 2026 Player Watch List…Played club for Houston Skyline…Plans to major in Public Health Education.

Patton on why she chose UND:
"I chose UND because of the positive culture, the community, and amazing relationships I've built with the coaches and players. I am looking forward to living in Grand Forks where I'll experience lots of snow and help make an impact at UND!"

Coach Tupac on Patton:
Haley is an incredible student, athlete, and leader.  It was clear immediately in the recruiting process that she was a perfect fit for how we operate here at UND.  Her ability to make plays in every phase of the game, and to generate calm in those she plays with, will serve her well as she transitions to the collegiate level.  Fighting Hawks fans should prepare themselves to see some spectacular defensive play with Haley donning the Green and White."

For more information on North Dakota Volleyball, follow on social media @UNDvolleyball or visit FightingHawks.com.