Kate Thompson

By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

Spike and bump; common words used to describe the game of volleyball.

But Falcon Kate Thompson looks back on her younger years and "crying" sticks out too.

Thompson got her first volleyball experience after her mom forced her to play. Thompson remembers crying the whole way to the court, but also remembers the love that formed shortly after learning the game.

And now, when Thompson leaps above the net and slams the ball past would-be blockers, it's the opponents who are shedding tears.

Thompson has an older sister who played volleyball. That gave Thompson the opportunity to watch a lot of volleyball growing up.

Her parents, Maruta and Todd, are Thompson's biggest influence because they have been really supportive throughout her life, going to as many games as possible and just being there when needed.

Aside from sports, Thompson looks back on her childhood where she bonded with her cousins who were all really close in age.

"We would always go play out in the lake and just have a lot of fun," said Thompson.

Much like her sister and fellow teammate Molly, Kate has been a solid addition to the Falcons since joining the team in 2003.

"She's definitely one of the top outside hitters in the conference," said Falcon Coach Patti Ford. "We expect her .200 hitting to go up and play significant time for us."

Thompson put up some big numbers for the Falcons in 2005. She finished second in kills (453) and led the team in aces (53). She had 391 digs and 52 blocks. Thompson had a season high 22 kills against St. Thomas on Oct. 29. She had seven aces against Coe on Oct. 8 and three times had 22 digs. She had double digit kills in 28 matches and double digit digs in 21 of the team's 35 matches. Twice she had five blocks in a match.

Three times she was named the team's player of the week and she culminated the season by earning honorable mention to the All-WIAC team for the second straight year.

She has the skills and talents to earn first team honors in 2006.

Thompson attended Forrest Lake High School and earned State Honorable Mention honors in 2002.

Thompson enjoys being entertained and does so by going to movies and listening to music.

"I want to play to the best of my ability," said Thompson of the upcoming season. "I really don't have too many personal goals because it is all about the team."

"We can beat the teams in the   WIAC if we keep our energy and confidence up. We have the same girls this year and we have learned how to play together; especially when we are down."

Thompson's major is marketing communications and she looks to use what she has learned at River Falls to have a successful career.