Big Dreams, Bigger Drive: Azjiah Trader Takes Her Game to MSU

Each month, I'm reminded why I love doing this. Sharing the stories of athletes chasing their college volleyball dreams is more than just writing—it's about passing the torch. I get asked all the time: Where do we even start? The truth is, no two journeys are the same, but there's so much to learn from those who've been there. These features aren't just spotlights—they're roadmaps, filled with real experiences, honest advice, and the highs and lows that come with pursuing something bigger than yourself. May's athlete is no exception. Ready to be inspired?

If you've ever walked into the gym at South Prairie Max High School in Minot, North Dakota, you'd notice right away—it's a small school, with fewer than 200 students in grades 9 through 12. But what you might not expect is the presence of a powerhouse athlete shaking things up in a big way: Azjiah Trader Azjiah Trader 5'8" | OH South Prairie High School | 2025 State ND . I first heard about her through multiple people, saying, “You have to see her. Her vertical is insane. It's like going up against a wall.” When I finally got to watch her in action, the first hit I saw her take was jaw-dropping—if there were a 4-foot line marked on the court, she hit it before that. The sheer power and precision was unlike anything I'd seen. That's when I knew Azjiah was more than just a name on a roster. Coaches recognized it too. But what truly sets her apart isn't just her talent—it's her grit, her humility, and the way she leads with heart. Azjiah Trader Azjiah Trader 5'8" | OH South Prairie High School | 2025 State ND isn't just a standout player—she's the definition of what it means to chase big dreams in a small town.

Before we dive into her Q&A, let's take a moment to recognize just how much Azjiah Trader Azjiah Trader 5'8" | OH South Prairie High School | 2025 State ND has achieved in her high school career:

Q: When did you start playing volleyball, and when did you realize you wanted to play in college?
Azjiah's Response: "I started playing volleyball at the age of 8, simply out of curiosity and because all my friends were playing at the time. By my sophomore year, I realized that playing at the collegiate level was something I truly dreamed of—because I never wanted my volleyball journey to end after high school."

Q: Can you explain your process in your recruitment? When did you start? How did you start?
Azjiah's Response: "I started attending summer camps with my school, and it was at those camps that I first began getting noticed by coaches. From there, I expanded into skills camps, individual camps, prospect camps, and more. Along the way, I built relationships with players and coaches from various colleges and quickly realized that if I wanted to play at the collegiate level, I had a lot of work to do.

I committed to training year-round—focusing on skill development, agility, and strength training every day. I trained both at school and with SOS Athletic Empire. Attending the Minnesota Select Camp was a turning point for me; I realized just how important it was to start reaching out to college coaches early. I felt like I had started late, simply because I had never been taught how to properly email or communicate with coaches.

Thankfully, with guidance from Coach Earnest Bell, Sara Dufner, and my dad, I learned how to do it right. I reached out to dozens of coaches—and that's when my recruiting journey truly began. I attended specific camps where coaches had personally invited me, and before long, I officially signed with Minot State!"

Q: Can you describe the moment you decided to commit to your college? What made that program stand out?
Azjiah's Response: "If someone had asked me whether I planned to stay in-state for college, I would've looked at them like they were crazy! I had my heart set on leaving North Dakota and starting fresh somewhere new. But when it came time to actually make a decision about my future, everything changed. I realized I didn't want to be far from home, so I began looking at local options.

I had been playing for Coach Nicole Wondrasek for three years, and when I found out she was becoming the Assistant Coach at Minot State, it pushed me even more toward choosing MSU. I've always loved her coaching style and how she challenges me to be my best—even if I didn't always like it in the moment! I also really like the girls on the team, and some of my former club teammates will be attending MSU too, which made the decision even easier. That, along with their strong program for my chosen degree, sealed the deal for me."

Q: What challenges did you face on your journey, and how did you overcome them?
Azjiah's Response: "I faced some challenges with friends, as not everyone liked seeing me succeed more than them. However, having a close circle of friends was important to me because not everyone truly supports your success. Another challenge I encountered was making the "right" decision. I've often been influenced by the decisions of others, which made it difficult when my parents or friends wanted me to choose something based on what they thought was best for me, rather than what I wanted for myself. That was definitely another challenge I had to navigate."

Q: How have you balanced academics, training, and personal life during your volleyball career so far?
Azjiah's Response: "Balancing everything hasn't been too challenging, especially during my senior year, as I don't have as much homework or work compared to previous years of high school. Typically, I can complete most of it during the school day. I plan to train in the early mornings whenever possible so that I can have time for my personal life. However, during the school season, we usually train after school, occasionally in the mornings. I tend to do any schoolwork right before bed to ensure I'm caught up. I also make sure to stay in touch with my teachers if I need to miss class or request an extension due to my sports schedule. In the summer, I train in the mornings on weekdays, leaving weekends and holidays free. This gives me plenty of time to enjoy my personal life, which I really appreciate!"

Q: Were there any coaches, teammates, or mentors who significantly influenced your growth as a player?
Azjiah's Response: "Yes! I want to thank Coach Earnest Bell, Sara Dufner, Kenneth from Athletic Empire, my parents, my NCR coach, Keturah Schwarzrock (my high school coach), Zoe Zarr, Mackenzie Dufner Mackenzie Dufner 5'10" | S Minot | 2026 State ND and everyone who supported me throughout my journey. I'm probably forgetting a few people, but I'm so grateful for all the support!"

Q: What role has mental preparation played in your success?
Azjiah's Response: "Mental preparation has played the biggest role in my success because it can have a huge impact on someone's performance. It's important to take time for yourself, even if it means stepping away from something you love, and ensuring you're in the right headspace. Knowing what your future looks like is essential. Setting expectations, goals, boundaries, and routines is a great starting point. And, of course, take care of your body!"

Q: What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from playing volleyball?
Azjiah's Response: "The most valuable lesson I've learned from volleyball is that it doesn't define you as a person—it's simply something you do for fun. In the end, it's just a game of mistakes. You are so much more than your athletic performance. Who you are off the court is who you are on the court. Never take it for granted, because time passes quickly, and you'll miss it. But most importantly, volleyball is meant to be fun. Never compare your journey, skills, or performance to someone else's, because everyone is on their own path and faces their own challenges."

Q: What advice would you give younger players who aspire to play volleyball in college?
Azjiah's Response: "Step out of your comfort zone! Start your recruitment process as early as possible. Attend camps, meet amazing people, and ask questions! Even if it feels scary, step out of your shell. Being loud, energetic, fun, and an encouraging teammate is exactly what coaches look for—and what players around you will appreciate too. Just be yourself, enjoy the recruiting process, and don't stress! Remember to make the decision that's right for you, not based on what someone else wants for you. It's all about what YOU want. Everything is in God's hands, and He will guide you on the right path. Finally, just have fun with it!"

Azjiah Trader Azjiah Trader 5'8" | OH South Prairie High School | 2025 State ND 's journey to Minot State is a testament to what it takes to overcome obstacles, defy expectations, and achieve greatness. From playing in a small town gym to becoming a standout athlete with a heart of gold, her story is not just about volleyball—it's about strength, perseverance, and making your own path when others doubt you. Every drill, every hour of training, every sacrifice, Azjiah put in the work and faced the challenges head-on. The battles weren't just on the court but within herself, pushing her limits and breaking through barriers she never thought possible. Her decision to stay local, to trust her coaches and her gut, proves that sometimes the hardest choices lead to the most rewarding outcomes. To anyone reading this who feels like the odds are stacked against them—let Azjiah's journey be a reminder: the dream is within reach if you're willing to fight for it. She didn't just play the game, she owned it. And now, the next chapter of her story is about to unfold.

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