Meet the newcomers: Dominique Thompson
August 22, 2010 | Volleyball
Aug. 22, 2010
MADISON, Wis. - Get to know the Badger newcomers a little better as they complete for their first weeks of practice. Today, meet freshman Dominique Thompson.
The 5-11 middle blocker from Plymouth, Minn., comes fom a very athletic family. Her father Darrell played football at the University of Minnesota and for five years with the Green Bay Packers. Her mother Stephanie played volleyball at the University of Iowa as did her aunt, Jenifer.
Why Wisconsin?
It is a wonderful place to be, the team and coaching staff are very welcoming. You can get a great education and play some good volleyball.
What have you enjoyed the most about Madison so far?
I love that we can go anywhere we want on our own time and that it is such a friendly town.
How has training camp been for you so far? What has been the biggest difference from high school and club?
It is close to what I expected though I love it and I am so happy that I am finally here. The biggest difference is the speed and how you interact with your team, it is way more team oriented.
What have you been most impressed with the coaches?
They take the time to make sure that you are doing the right things and they really care. it means a lot in the transition away from home that they are there for you not only on the court, but in life also.
What do you think of your teammates and the team chemistry?
I love all my teammates and the team. The chemistry is awesome and I am so pumped that I am here and finally a part of this awesome team. They are so funny and you don’t get sick of being around each other.
What has been the biggest surprise so far with college volleyball and/or the whole college experience?
The biggest surprise so far has been that we have more time and more freedom than I thought and I’m excited for all the students to get here and meet new people.
What class are you most excited for and why?
I am most excited for my comm arts class because lots of my teammates will be in that class with me and I like speech classes.
What are you missing the most from home? How do you stay in touch with your friends and family?
From home, I miss most my family and friends. I stay in touch by Facebook, Skype and texting. I can keep pretty up to date with what is going on at home by all that.
Now that the first two weeks of practice is out of the way, have things settled down? What are you most excited about in the next week or two?
I know what to expect better now. Everything is not new to me anymore and I am most excited to keep getting better.
What team are you looking forward to playing and why?
I am most looking forward to playing is Penn State, we're the underdog and it would be awesome to take down the top dog - especially my freshman year.
