In a sport such as volleyball, senior leadership is key to success.
As a team, Ignacio prides itself on being a team-first squad that has a humble attitude, which is rare for a team that is 6-2 and Monday was ranked at No. 7 in Class 2A by the Colorado High School Activities Association.
What’s even more rare is the glue to the team is not a senior, but a quiet sophomore setter Shoshone Thompson, who is breaking the mold for her team.
“It’s relief (having Shoshone) because, as an underclassman, she came in and stunned everyone with her play,” said senior Ellie Seibel, daughter of Melanie and Shane Seibel. “It’s rare to have an underclassman as a setter.”
Thompson’s size may not be noticeable, but her play is. Thompson leads the Class 1A/2A San Juan Basin League with 30 serving aces and is second with 141 assists for the top-10 team.
“It feels amazing to be ranked seventh in the state,” said Thompson, daughter of Rebecca Rael and Keith Thompson. “We are such a great team.”
The Ignacio Bobcats have won six games in a row with recent victories coming at the Simla Tournament against Hoenhe and Rye and Hoenhe. Rye was previously No. 5 – now ranked No. 8 right behind Ignacio.
Against Rye, Thompson had 21 assists and five aces in a thrilling five-set match.
“She brings a lot of talent,” said senior Miel Diaz, daughter of Danielle Burns. “It’s rare to find someone so young with so much skill. She puts in the extra work and dedication to volleyball, which is what you need to be successful.”
Head coach Thaddeus Cano has stressed team unity all season, and Thompson has had senior leadership to cling to. Thompson said having the senior leadership has been a benefit.
“Chrystianne Valdez hustles on all the balls,” Thompson said. “Miel and Ellie are amazing hitters; they can pound some balls in the ground. They’re just really good.”
Even though the team is riding high from great performances, Thompson said the team is still working at getting used to each other. Thompson added she is still getting a connection with some of the hitters.
When asked about what the team needs to work on, a humble Thompson said, “We need to work on accomplishing better sets.”
Thompson’s youth is quite rare, but her talents are not. To be successful a team needs someone to have court vision and help keep the opposing team from racking up points. That’s where Thompson has exceled.
“You’re expected to get all the balls,” she said. “You have to hustle all around the court. Your team depends on you to get the balls. You have to dive a lot.”
Running, jumping and diving on the hardwood is all part of the game for a setter. Injuries are also part of the gig, and Thompson said she gets a lot of bruising on her legs and is currently experiencing pelvis pain.
But, at 14 years old, she’s young enough to bounce back.
For now, Cano has made it a point to have therapeutic practices and rest his team for their upcoming match against Telluride, which is at 4 p.m. Thursday at home as part of homecoming week in Ignacio.
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
Behind the Scenes
Who is your favorite athlete?: Destinee Hooker, attacker on the U.S. women’s national volleyball team.
If you were a superhero, what would your powers be?: Invisible
What is your favorite childhood Story?: Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.
What teacher has had the greatest impact on you?: Miss Wheelock, my sixth-grade math teacher because she always pushed you to do your best.
What is your favorite high school class?: English
Where is a place you haven’t visited you would most like to?: I would really love to go to Australia. I want to check out the Sydney Opera House.
What’s your favorite movie?: Monsters, Inc.
Who’s your favorite musician?: Coldplay
What’s your dream car?: A silver Volkswagen bug
Where’s the worst place you’ve had to travel for a game?: Probably traveling to Simla because it’s such a long drive, and it’s hot on the bus and you’re really tired, too.
Durango Herald
