ONWARD SENIORS: Thompson finds her voice at Minot State

MINOT, N.D. - Mia Thompson's journey from a large Utah high school to Minot State University has become about far more than volleyball.

The senior has developed into a campus leader, broadcaster, storyteller, and mentor while building a future in sports media and communications.

Originally from West Point, Utah, Thompson graduated from Syracuse High School, where her graduating class included nearly 1,500 students. Volleyball quickly became the path that opened the door to collegiate athletics, eventually bringing her to Minot State.

"I've played volleyball my whole life, and that's what earned me the chance to play in college," Thompson said. "I started college at Eastern Arizona. Those two years taught me how to balance my classes and my sport while staying focused on my goals."

After junior college, Thompson explored transfer opportunities across the country before ultimately choosing Minot State.

"A teammate of mine was also being recruited here, and her decision to come to this school played a big part in mine," she explained. "I actually didn't even take a visit; I just trusted her experience since we were looking for the same things.

"Once I started looking into the professional communication department, I saw all the great opportunities in broadcasting and public relations. I knew it would be a smart move for my future."

Even after her teammate later left the program to go on a mission, Thompson knew she had found a home in Minot.

"I had already fallen in love with the school and the community," she said. "I knew right away that I wanted to stay and be part of this program."

Thompson's transition from junior college athletics to NCAA Division II competition came during a period of change within the Minot State volleyball program. She embraced a leadership role, serving as a captain and helping guide teammates through difficult moments while continuing to grow.

"The jump from junior college to Division II was a big step, but my past experiences prepared me for it," she said. "Our program went through some hard times, but those challenges helped me grow into a new version of myself. My best memories aren't just about the games; they are about the lifelong friendships I made through the sport."

"Being a captain during the tough times taught me what leadership really means," Thompson continued. "I used to think leadership was about making everyone happy, and as a natural caretaker, I wanted everyone to feel comfortable. But I've learned the hard reality that you can't please everyone. Sometimes, doing the right thing is difficult, and people will criticize you for it. I've realized that true leaders are the ones who rise above that criticism. Even if it doesn't feel easy in the moment, doing what is right for the team is what matters most."

On the court, Thompson became one of the Beavers' top defensive players at the net, leading Minot State in blocks per set during the 2025 season. She ranked in the top five in blocks and kills for the Beavers in both her junior and senior seasons.

Away from athletics, Thompson found her passion in communications and broadcasting. She is majoring in professional communication with a focus on public relations while also pursuing a minor in leadership studies.

"I have always been interested in how we communicate and tell stories," she said. "My dream is to work in news or sports broadcasting, ideally as a sideline reporter. I love interviewing people and helping them share their stories with the world. Because I am a student-athlete myself, I feel like I have a unique perspective that helps me connect with people in a different way."

Her work in media has already become highly visible across campus. Thompson serves as a manager for KMSU, helping oversee public relations and social media efforts for student broadcasting while also producing feature stories and interviews for University Communications and student media.

One of her favorite projects has been producing and hosting "Beyond the Jersey," a show focused on telling the stories of Minot State student-athletes beyond competition.

"I get to interview other student-athletes and go deep into their stories and what drives them as leaders, looking at who they are beyond just their stats or scores," she said. "Overall, these experiences have helped me grow so much. I've learned how to see leadership from many different perspectives and how to build strong connections with all kinds of people. Being involved on campus has shown me that the relationships and skills you build outside the classroom are what truly prepare you for life after graduation."

In addition to her media work, Thompson serves as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, helping advocate for student-athletes at both the conference and NCAA levels.

Her impact academically also earned recognition as part of the NSIC Fall All-Academic Team.

Thompson's connection to Minot State and the Minot community will continue after graduation. She recently decided to remain at the University to pursue a master's degree in sports management while working as a graduate assistant in athletics under Director of Video Operations Cole Clementich '23/'25, a fellow MSU professional communication graduate.

"I chose to stay here because I knew I could get this kind of hands-on experience immediately," she said. "Working in the video and broadcast side of athletics is exactly where I want to be, and I didn't want to pass up the chance to learn from the team here."

And, through an internship opportunity with the Minot Minotauros, she will begin her dream of sideline reporting, along with working with the team's social media.

"I am incredibly excited for what the future holds," Thompson said. "Looking back, I am so thankful for my time here at Minot State and all the opportunities I've been given. This place has helped me grow as an athlete, a student, and a leader in ways I never expected.

"I've truly loved being part of this community, and I'm so glad I get to stay for a little bit longer. There is so much to offer here, and I feel like I'm just getting started with the impact I want to make."