BV Lynx: Where Are They Now?

Taylor Thorson, a 2015 graduate of Brandon Valley High School, was a standout athlete in multiple sports for the Lynx. However, she excelled in volleyball and is currently a sophomore at Minnesota State University Moorhead. As a Lynx, Taylor was a First Team Metro Conference selection along with earning All-Eastern South Dakota Conference honors. She was a second-team all-state honoree in 2015 as well as being named to the all-tournament team at the state tournament. In 2014, she was named honorable mention all-state and all-conference. The Dragons, who are members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, are a Division 2 School located in Moorhead, Minn. As you will see in my visit with Taylor, competition at this level is very intense and competitive. Matter of fact, this week the NSIC conference has six of the top 20 teams in the country.  

What was your favorite memory as a Lynx volleyball player?

Taylor: I would say my favorite memory as a Lynx volleyball player would be state volleyball. The entire week was so much fun and also my teammates were great, too. It’s an experience like no other. 

How are demands of an athlete different at the high school level compared to the college level?

Taylor: It is completely different than high school. In college, I would say there isn’t really an off-season or time off. Also, there is a lot more weight lifting and conditioning. Athletics are much more demanding in general.

What are the main differences from playing at the high school level to the college level?

Taylor: It’s a much faster pace than high school. You’re playing against girls who are all at a very high level of play and knowledge of the game. 

Like most athletes coming out of high school to a Division 2 level, how has the transition gone from starting most of your career at Brandon Valley to college?

Taylor: It’s a hard transition when you go from being a starter most of your high school career to having very limited time playing. 

What do you love the most about University life other than the sport you play?

Taylor: The thing I love the most about the school would definitely be the people I have met here! It’s been a really great experience.

Former BVHS Coach Lindsey Smith told me that Taylor’s abilities on the court always had her wondering what she could not do. “She started as a setter and I quickly started playing her as a libero and defensive specialist as a freshman. She had amazing speed and first step toward the ball was the quickest I have ever coached. She is a hard worker and a great self-motivator to do well,” Smith said. “Volleyball always starts with the pass. Without that pass your team can’t attack, and having Taylor as our first pass allowed the rest of her team to shine with their strengths as well.”

If you are looking for a game near Brandon to see Taylor play, you can catch the Dragons on Friday Oct. 13, as they will play in Sioux Falls at Augustana University at 6 p.m. I know Taylor would love to see the Lynx black and red in the stands cheering her on.