Molly Thompson

By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

This is a season of adjustment for Falcon volleyball player Molly Thompson.

No, she's not in her first year at UW-RF and she's not changing her major. She hasn't changed her uniform number and she still has that quiet personality.

But the senior is moving from a right side hitter to an outside hitter spot for the 2006 Falcons.

A change in position for some athletes can make things difficult and hinder the player from performing at the highest level possible. But Thompson's skills and savvy will allow her to make the adjustment without skipping a beat.

"We are transitioning Molly to the outside," said Coach Patti Ford. "We need more power and she will give us that."

Thompson has shown plenty of power in past seasons. She missed most of the 2004 season with injuries, but she returned in 2005 and finished with 212 kills, 21 aces, 143 digs and 43 blocks.

Like her sister Kate, crying defined Thompson's first volleyball experience.

Tears were just a small hurdle Thompson jumped over to realize her volleyball potential.

Influenced by her older sister and the support from her twin sister Kate,Thompson went from not wanting to play the game to being a gym rat.

Thompson attended Forest Lake High School and showed great athletic ability while participating in multiple sports.

"Volleyball kept our family close," said Thompson. "Our parents (Maruta and Todd) went to every single game and I have Kate around me all the time."

Thompson forgave her mom for forcing her to play after the first practice.

Thompson watches a lot of movies in her spare time long with doing some long boarding. She has yet to injure herself which she hopes will not happen, at least during volleyball.

"We have a good group of girls," said Thompson of her years at River Falls "I've met my good friends here."

"Molly possesses a good shot array," said Ford. "Her presence helps us tremendously." Her ability to hit shots depending on the defense makes her a valuable offensive weapon for the Falcons.

Following graduation, Thompson is going to take away the camaraderie of her volleyball career along with her into the future.

"Right now I have a group of 30 girls that I can depend on and I will miss that when I graduate."

Thompson figures the experience of the team is going to help tremendously in how the season turns out.

"We had a tough season last year as everybody knows. But now we look so strong."

Thompson is majoring in marketing communications and will take away many great memories, including her change in positions for the 2006 Falcons, from not only volleyball, but college as well.