GAMES
RANKINGS
Grand Oaks Sr. OH Halle Thompson
THE UNDEFINED: Thompson's Unique Blend of Skill and Modesty Fuels Grand Oaks' Pursuit of Legacy
As the 2025 Volleyball season looms, all eyes are once again on Grand Oaks -- the reigning two-time UIL State Champions, who most recently defeated Fulshear 3-1 in the 6A-D1 Final last November.
And at the center of their dominance stands 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)
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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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Jermaine Bishop Jr. of Willis High is one of area's top influencers
HOW TO: Can Tik Tok help in college recruiting?
TikTok has become a powerful tool for football recruiting, especially with how much attention athletes can grab through short-form content.
When used strategically, it can help players build a personal brand, showcase talent, and even attract the attention of college coaches. Here are some top ways to use TikTok for football recruiting:
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1. Highlight Reels That Pop
- Keep it short, exciting, and cinematic. Post 15–60 second clips that showcase your best plays, speed, strength, or unique skills.
- Add text overlays (position, class, stats, GPA, height/weight).
- Use trending sounds and music to boost visibility.
- Include captions like “#QB1 | Class of 2026 | 6'2” | 4.0 GPA.”
2. Training & Behind-the-Scenes
- Show your work ethic with gym, speed, agility, or film study clips.
- College coaches love seeing that you're grinding when no one’s watching.
- Authenticity builds trust and connection with fans and recruiters alike.
3. Football IQ & Leadership
- Break down your film or explain a play using TikTok voiceovers.
- Post game-day speeches or leadership moments with teammates.
- It shows you're a student of the game and not just an athlete.
4. Engage & Network
- Reply to comments, do duets with other athletes, or post recruiting tips.
- Follow and tag college football programs, coaches, or recruiting pages.
- Use hashtags like:
- #FootballRecruiting
- #CollegeFootball
- #ClassOf2026 (or your class)
- #[Position]Prospect (#QBsOfTikTok, #WRProspects, etc.)
5. Recruiting Journey Updates
- Share scholarship offers, visits, camps, or messages from coaches (if allowed).
- Announce when you're attending a showcase or 7v7 tournament.
- These updates let coaches know you're active and getting looks.
6. Brand Building / Personality
- Mix in personality—funny moments, game-day routines, team culture.
- This gives scouts a sense of who you are off the field.
Bonus Tips:
- Put your HUDL link or recruiting profile in your TikTok bio.
- Use a consistent username across social media so you’re easy to find.
- Pin your best highlight video to the top of your profile.