North Dakota 3-Class System and What It Means

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>‼️<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As high school teams gear up with offseason training and summer competition, there's a major change coming to North Dakota volleyball that will reshape the competitive landscape—the introduction of a three-class system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting this upcoming school year, volleyball in North Dakota will no longer be split into just two classes. Instead, the state will move to a three-class system, designed to better reflect school size and foster more competitive balance across programs. This realignment is one of the most significant changes the sport has seen in years, and it's already creating buzz throughout the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's how the new class breakdown will work based on school enrollment:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Division AA</strong> – Enrollment of <strong>650+ students</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Division A</strong> – Enrollment of <strong>162.5 to 649 students</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Division B</strong> – Enrollment of <strong>below 162.5 students</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This shift will give more schools a chance to compete for titles against similarly sized programs, and it's expected to create fresh rivalries, more evenly matched postseason play, and a wider showcase of talent across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While athletes and coaches are adjusting to where their schools fall in this new format, one thing remains the same—North Dakota volleyball continues to grow, and this new system is a reflection of that momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we head into the season, fans can expect to see exciting matchups, rising programs, and new storylines in all three divisions. Get ready—it's a new era for North Dakota volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 <strong>North Dakota Volleyball: 3-Class Postseason Format &amp; Key Dates (2025)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the state transitions to a three-class system for volleyball, here's what you need to know about <strong>postseason play</strong> for Divisions AA, A, and B:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>📌 Division AA (650+ Enrollment)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Format</strong>: Same as current Class A</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Region Tournaments</strong>:<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>West</strong> – [program_tooltip program_id='430758' first='Mandan' last=''] | <em>Nov. 13–15</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>East</strong> – Fargo Shanley | <em>Nov. 11, 13 &amp; 15</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>State Tournament</strong>:<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nov. 20–22 at Bismarck Event Center</strong> (Combined with A &amp; B)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>📌 Division A (162.5–649 Enrollment)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Regions</strong>: 4 total — each <strong>champion advances to state</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Region Tournaments</strong>: <em>Nov. 10, 11 &amp; 13</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>State Qualifier Matches</strong> (<em>Runners-up vs. 3rd Place Finishers</em>):<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>East</strong> – Jamestown (Newman Arena)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>West</strong> – Bismarck St. Mary's | <em>Nov. 15</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>State Tournament</strong>:<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Coaches will seed top 8</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nov. 20–22 at Bismarck Event Center</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>📌 Division B (Under 162.5 Enrollment)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>8 Districts → Top 4 teams advance to regions</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>District Deadline</strong>: <em>Nov. 5</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Region Tournaments</strong>: <em>Nov. 10, 11 &amp; 13</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>State Qualifier Matches</strong> (<em>Same format as Division A</em>):<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>East</strong> – Jamestown (Newman Arena)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>West</strong> – Bismarck St. Mary's | <em>Nov. 15</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>State Tournament</strong>:<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Coaches will seed top 8</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nov. 20–22 at Bismarck Event Center</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have to say—<strong>Division AA</strong> is going to be <em>wild</em> this year. With the new format, I think we'll see some big shifts in competition and power matchups, and honestly, I'm here for it. There's a lot of movement coming, and I can't wait to see how it all shakes out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over in <strong>Division A</strong>, all eyes should be on Region 1. In my opinion, it's going to be one of the strongest in the state. You've got powerhouse programs like Kindred, Oak Grove, Central Cass, and Valley City—all stacked with talent and ready to make deep runs. But don't sleep on Region 2 either. With programs like Thompson, Grafton, Devils Lake, May-Port-CG/Finley-Sharon and Hillsboro, there are some serious athletes who have been grinding all summer. That region is going to be a battle. You will see South Prairie/Max hungry to return to state in this new division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then there's <strong>Class B</strong>—and let me tell you, this one's going to be <em>fun</em>. I can't wait to see Park River and DVE go head-to-head. Langdon will be strong as always, and then you've got teams like Central McLean and Kenmare/Bowbells who are hungry to get back to the state tournament. The energy is high, and the stakes are even higher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bottom line? There are <em>so many</em> teams and storylines to follow this season—it's going to be exciting from start to finish, and we're just getting started. Lot's of previews will be coming and I can't wait!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are just a few seniors to be watching this season? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/alexis-heinle/">[player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/raina-chwialkowski/">[player_tooltip player_id='203420' first='Raina' last='Chwialkowski']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/elle-mcintosh/">[player_tooltip player_id='722412' first='Ellee' last='McIntosh']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/cora-metcalf/">[player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/carly-hulstein/">[player_tooltip player_id='725012' first='Carly' last='Hulstein']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/audrey-rydell/">[player_tooltip player_id='504561' first='Audrey' last='Rydell']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/mackenzie-dufner/">[player_tooltip player_id='748825' first='Mackenzie' last='Dufner']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/norah-green/">[player_tooltip player_id='748390' first='Norah' last='Green']</a>, <br>[player_tooltip player_id='726034' first='Aspyn' last='Prien'], <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/megan-dietz/">[player_tooltip player_id='722411' first='Megan' last='Dietz']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/sylvia-taylor/">[player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor']</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='725045' first='Isabelle' last='Thompson'], [player_tooltip player_id='749982' first='Abby' last='Kobbervig'], <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/lizzy-kunz/">[player_tooltip player_id='744931' first='Lizzy' last='Kunz']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/skotti-beck/">[player_tooltip player_id='725037' first='Skotti' last='Beck']</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='748830' first='Anne' last='Fricke'], <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/elle-schumacher/">[player_tooltip player_id='725036' first='Elle' last='Schumacher']</a>, <br>[player_tooltip player_id='725049' first='Brooklyn' last='Shumacher'], <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/katelyn-post/">[player_tooltip player_id='725053' first='Katelyn' last='Posl']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/elizabeth-fedje/">[player_tooltip player_id='725018' first='Elizabeth' last='Fedje']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/alexis-tompkins/">[player_tooltip player_id='725024' first='Alexis' last='Tompkins']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/danielle-sand/">[player_tooltip player_id='752466' first='Danielle' last='Sand']</a>, <br>[player_tooltip player_id='725025' first='Jocelyn' last='DeGeldere'], <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/danica-gross/">[player_tooltip player_id='725033' first='Danica' last='Gross']</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='727713' first='Kadie' last='Kocka'], <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/piper-severson/">[player_tooltip player_id='732181' first='Piper' last='Severson']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/emma-leclerc/">[player_tooltip player_id='752530' first='Emma' last='LeClerc']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/hudson-zerface/">[player_tooltip player_id='725035' first='Hudson' last='Zerface']</a>,<br>[player_tooltip player_id='725048' first='Kiaza' last='Carlson'],<a href="https://prepdig.com/player/elisabeth-kunz/"> [player_tooltip player_id='752472' first='Elisabeth' last='Kunz']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/marielle-anderson/">[player_tooltip player_id='752457' first='Marielle' last='Anderson']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/molly-moen/">[player_tooltip player_id='725029' first='Molly' last='Moen']</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='725023' first='Brooke' last='Gullickson'], <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/remi-larson/">[player_tooltip player_id='728060' first='Remi' last='Larson']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players don't forget to get your player index sign up so coaches can stay up to date on your season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":789946,"width":"163px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/Untitled.png" alt="" class="wp-image-789946" style="width:163px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wanna read more on the three-class system in North Dakota: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_WiczyajFyrazznRAog_Lmpm-47ia0mjLym-QBz3NmM/pub">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_WiczyajFyrazznRAog_Lmpm-47ia0mjLym-QBz3NmM/pub</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->