New horizons beckon Thompson

PRAIRIE GROVE -- Talor Thompson's high school volleyball career won't last long enough for Decatur coach Jessica Castagna.

The slender, talented junior, who does everything for the Lady Bulldogs on the volleyball court, plans to graduate early in May and forgo her senior season of eligibility. Castagna wishes she wouldn't leave so soon -- cherishing fond memories of Thompson and the Decatur Class of 2019 which laid the foundation of Lady Decatur volleyball as freshmen.

Thompson, 16, daughter of Jennifer and Justin Thompson, recalls that auspicious beginning as her favorite moment in sports.

"It was my freshman year, we started the volleyball program," Thompson said. "It wasn't like for conference. We played other schools. It didn't count for anything. None of the girls had ever played volleyball, so we all learned from the beginning."

Thompson can't help but express her elation as she and the Lady Bulldogs have developed volleyball skills after starting from scratch.

"I started from not knowing any of the rules to basically playing all the way around," Thompson said.

Castagna agrees with Thompson's self-assessment.

"Talor is the full-package," Castagna said. "She is one of our better hitters, one of our most consistent hitters. She sets, she passes, she can play the back-row and get digs. I'm going to miss that experience that Talor brings. She has been with our program since we started."

Prairie Grove coach Mat Stewart echoed that sentiment, complimenting Thompson even after a lackluster performance by the Lady Bulldogs in a 3-set (25-16, 25-8, 25-17) loss at Prairie Grove on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

"I told her after the game that she is a fantastic player," Stewart said. "She gave us problems over at their place. She can play any one of their four spots. She can play back-row or net."

Time and time again, Thompson robbed Prairie Grove hitters of what looked like sure kills by getting her 5-feet-10 frame underneath to dig out those hits and keep the ball in play. The problem was, on offense, she was getting very few sets when she rotated to the front line. Prairie Grove breezed through the second and third sets without having to play much defense.

"We usually have more energy and passing than we showed tonight," Castagna said.

Thompson has become enamored with the sport to the degree she now lists recreational volleyball as her main hobby, ranking alongside hanging out with friends as among her favorite activities.

A member of National Honor Society, Thompson holds a 3.96 grade-point average. Her favorite subjects include math and science, especially chemistry. Castagna has asked her to come back for at least one semester of her senior year because the volleyball team needs her, but Thompson, who also plays softball, has her sights on the horizon.

When asked about her career plans, Thompson gives a prompt answer. "I plan to transfer out of state, get my psychology degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn."

That's a sharp contrast to the small-town atmosphere of Decatur, yet Thompson believes she is ready.

"My mom, she's been super supportive throughout all," Thompson said. "She's probably not liking me leaving the house, but she's been super."

Thompson also expresses appreciation for Castagna for what she fondly describes as "making this volleyball hobby a sport for our school."