The Varsity Boys continue their yearly tradition of placing all of their hands on the plaque in a form of unity after winning the 20-6A District Championship title.
Olivia Raymond
Lexi Harkrider (10) breezing through the beginning of the race in the top spot.
Grand Oaks Sr. OH Halle Thompson
The 6-foot-1 senior outside hitter, already a two-time 6A State MVP, is poised to guide the Grizzlies towards a historic mark. With another title run, Grand Oaks would join Hebron (2015–17) as the only 6A program to win three consecutive state championships.
It’s a daunting challenge — but not one that fazes Thompson.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think we’ll respond the way we always have,” Thompson said. “We’re going to stay on track and do what we do best, which is to prove people wrong.”
There’s a quiet fire to her voice — not born out of arrogance, but the hardened humility of a leader who has risen through consistency and conviction.
“We’re aware that it’s going to be a difficult task to accomplish, because of how rare of an achievement it is just to do it once,” she added. “That won’t hold us back, though. It will be used as motivation. Above all else, this team isn’t defined by the trophies we already have. It’s defined by the ones we intend to get.”
The 2024 Championship team is presented with their brand new State rings (6/20/2025)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Since her freshman year, Thompson has been the cornerstone of Grand Oaks’ rise, embodying a certain athleticism that few at the high school level can replicate.
This season, however, presents a new wrinkle: the Grizzlies are without longtime offensive counterpart Samara Coleman — now at TCU — who was equally instrumental in their title runs.
Now, the future Wisconsin Badger steps fully into the spotlight. But her team-first attitude remains unwavering.
“My mentality is the fact that I wouldn’t be in the position I am without my liberos, my setters, Samara, the team as a whole,” said Thompson. “I know some people think about themselves at this stage, but in this position you can’t.”
It’s a grounded approach that continues to earn her respect. She accepts the leadership role but refuses to separate her success from the group’s.
“Everyone is ready to put their ‘big girl pants’ on to do what is necessary,” she said with a smile.
The stars of 2025-26 Grand Oaks VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Beyond her high school accolades, Thompson’s talent has gained national attention. For the second straight year, she’s been selected for the USA Volleyball U19 national team. After strong showings at the National Team Development Program (NTDP) camps, she earned a spot on the travel roster for this summer’s U21 World Championship in Indonesia.
“It’s been such a fun experience so far,” Thompson said. “It’s definitely made me a more well-rounded player since I get to compete with and against the nation’s best.”
She laughs off Olympic comparisons — “that’s the elite of the elite” — but sees the U19 team as a key step toward her long-term goals. Even with the accolades, Thompson points to a less glamorous influence on her growth: failure.
“You don’t learn anything by winning all the time,” she said. “I know it might not seem that way, especially when you play for a team like Grand Oaks. But that’s because I’ve messed up a lot. However, I don’t let that define me. I grow from the experience as everyone should try to do.”
As Grand Oaks chases a place in the record books, they do so with a clear advantage: a leader built not just by victories, but by everything in between.
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