The Preseason Notebook: North Dakota Class A

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">More than 150 college coaches shared this article. Join PrepDig with 30% off using code "digdakotas30."</a>   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakota</a>   Every season seems to bring a different look for Thompson, but one thing rarely changes: they find a way to play their best volleyball when it matters most. Graduation may have opened up a few new opportunities throughout the lineup, but the team is a program that has built its reputation on developing players, taking on new roles, and growing throughout the season. There may be a lot of youth on the floor this fall, but there is enough experience coming back to lead the next group. That's why I expect Thompson to be right back in the mix when the postseason volleyball rolls around.   [player_tooltip player_id='782408' first='Vivien' last='Majkrzak'] is the player that everyone will recognize. The sophomore right-side is one of the most exciting young players in the region after an impressive freshman season and club season. Her physicality enables her to impact a game every time she steps on the floor. Vivien plays above the belt, attacks with confidence, and continues to get more comfortable finishing both in-system and out-of-system. Opposing defenses will certainly game plan for her, and how she handles that attention will be one of the biggest storylines of Thompson's season. She has all the tools to be one of North Dakota's most talked-about sophomores this fall.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='829501' first='Andie' last='Schwab'] is the type of all-around player every coach wants on the roster. Whether she remains an outside hitter or moves to libero, she'll have the opportunity to impact almost every rally. If she's attacking from the pin, Thompson gets an experienced hitter who knows how to score and can help stabilize serve receive. As soon as she puts on the libero jersey, her leadership, defensive instincts, and ability to control first contact immediately bolster the back row. Wherever she lines up, her experience and steady presence will be invaluable to a team with several younger players stepping into bigger roles.   Another veteran Thompson will rely on is senior [player_tooltip player_id='724996' first='Jena' last='Schwabe'] in the middle. She's expected to set the tone at the net with her communication, blocking presence, and experience. Jena is available well in transition, giving her setter a reliable option on quick tempos and making opposing middles respect the middle attack. She can read hitters defensively, close blocks, and help organize the front-row defense. With a younger roster around her, she will be just as important to the offense as to the team's leadership.   One position battle to watch will be at setter, where Summer Pearson and Emily Schumacher are set to compete for significant playing time. To run an offense at the varsity level, you need confidence, consistency, and trust. Both players will have opportunities to establish themselves early in the season. The setter sets the tempo, creates offensive rhythm, and puts the hitters in position to succeed, so this is one of the biggest storylines to follow. Both setters should continue to develop their chemistry throughout the season, helping this young offense get more comfortable.   Vaya Trenbeath should also give plenty of excitement to the back row. Defensive specialists don't always fill up the stat sheet, but they often dictate how successful an offense can be. Vaya can be a difference-maker with her serve-receive, her defensive range, and her ability to keep rallies alive. Quality first contact gives setters every option in the book, and that's the kind of impact she can have all season long. That consistency on defense will go a long way toward keeping Thompson balanced on offense.   I am also excited to watch Jocelyn Oster, who has a chance to step into an outside hitter role. It's not an easy position for a younger player, ever, because the outside hitters are asked to carry a heavy workload. They should be able to attack, pass, defend, and be available in transition for an entire match. Jocelyn has the athleticism to meet that challenge, and seeing her confidence build from match to match could add another dimension to Thompson's offense. She'll be another big part of the Tommies' lineup as she grows.   But what makes this team so interesting isn't just the returning talent but how those veterans can help bring along the next wave of Tommies. Thompson has a history of developing players, creating competition in the lineup, and getting better every week. It's a program that doesn't peak much in August. Instead, the Tommies keep discovering their identity as the season goes on, and by October are often playing some of their best volleyball.   Much of the credit for that success belongs to the leadership on the sidelines. Thompson continues to receive guidance from one of the top coaches in North Dakota. Year in and year out, this program develops talent, makes adjustments throughout the season, and always has its players ready for postseason volleyball. That culture of development has become one of the program's greatest strengths and one of the biggest reasons Thompson is always in the conversation when regional play comes around.   This year's team may be a bit younger than some of the past Thompson teams, but there's a lot to get excited about. [player_tooltip player_id='782408' first='Vivien' last='Majkrzak'] could develop into one of the state's top sophomores. Veterans [player_tooltip player_id='829501' first='Andie' last='Schwab'] and [player_tooltip player_id='724996' first='Jena' last='Schwabe'] provide leadership and stability, while Summer Pearson, Emily Schumacher, Vaya Trenbeath, and Jocelyn Oster are among the next wave of players ready to step into bigger roles. As younger athletes gain confidence and varsity experience, look for Thompson to continue improving each week.   Don't judge this team by what it looks like in the first couple of weeks of the season. If there's one thing history has taught us, it's that Thompson can grow into a contender. Don't be surprised to see the Tommies play their best volleyball when the regional tournaments start and they remind everyone why they are always a team to watch.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple: to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   The village, along with athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers, creates this journey.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</h3>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In Case You Missed It</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_5b1fa1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-987083" /></a></figure>

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