Kelly Herrmann and Caitlin Templeton go way back.

The women were in third grade together and attended the same church. They also played club basketball with each other when Templeton's dad was coaching. Though they went to Rapid City Stevens and Central, respectively, they both shared spots on a volleyball team at the club level.

Now, they will share another distinction: Both athletes are entering their first season of collegiate volleyball at the NCAA Division I level. Herrmann is already at South Dakota State, and Templeton left for Creighton, in Omaha, Neb., on Thursday.

"It's really exciting, to have both of us go," said Herrmann. "It's a dream, and it's been an honor for both of us. We have both worked really hard to get where we are at."

Both women admit the jump from prep volleyball to college is a tough one, especially leaving home.

"I already miss my parents even though it's been only a couple of days," Herrmann said.

The level of volleyball is a different challenge.

"It's a big jump," Templeton said about the level of play. "High school and college are way different. The speed of the game is way faster. The setters are awesome. They have a lot more knowledge. Speed is the No. 1 difference though. There will be more quick sets than there will be in high school. Also, the momentum of the game is way different than high school."

Herrmann agrees.

"It's hard to explain. Everyone is just better. Now, everybody is bigger, faster and stronger. It is about as big a jump as you can get."

Templeton has been working on a set workout this summer, focusing on her hitting through certain drills. Herrmann has followed a workout that SDSU gave her.

Templeton will have her first practice at Creighton on Sunday.

"It's exciting. A little bit nerve-racking, but I'm looking forward to going," Templeton said.

Herrmann has already participated with her future SDSU teammates. She went to camp in Brookings two weeks ago, and went through drills with other freshmen. The experience has been humbling. After being a top high school player and a leader at Stevens, she must start from the bottom.

"You go from being the senior to being a lowly freshman," she said. "You definitely are reminded that you have a lot to learn. There's not a lot that you can do but mentally prepare yourself. You have to just get through it cause it will get better."

Herrmann and Templeton are both optimistic about their programs. Templeton said Creighton is an up-and-coming power in college volleyball, and the team will play in a new facility this fall. Herrmann equates SDSU to a new program. SDSU just recently became a Division I team a couple of years ago and the coach left more than a year ago, with several players leaving with him.

"It's definitely a talented program, but young,"

Herrmann said. "Now that we have a full roster, it is interesting to see how we will do."

The athletes begin the season Aug. 28. Creighton will host Texas Tech, Illinois and Tulane at a home tournament in a new facility. SDSU will travel to a tournament in Laramie, Wyo., which features Wyoming and Rutgers.

The two women will also face each other during the season.

"I am excited to play SDSU this season," Templeton said. "I'm looking forward to playing someone from home and one of my good friends also."

"It's really interesting," Herrmann said. "We've been playing against each other since we were 8. I'm glad I will get to see her, and glad that Creighton is on our schedule."

Both athletes were part of the Black Hills Junior Volleyball program, under the direction of coach Kilie Voorhees.

"The club team we used to play for, that really helped us a lot," Herrmann said. "I hope that it shows other girls that are serious should go to the club program. The Black Hills area is really talented. I hope that girls continue to go out for it and give it the time and effort to help it grow."