Parity at the top should be the theme for this year's WDA volleyball campaign

BISMARCK — As the Western Dakota Association launches its 44th season of sponsored volleyball play, perennial powerhouse Bismarck Century once again finds itself in familiar territory atop the preseason rankings. However, what the WDA has revealed over its storied existence, is that parity and competitive play are hallmarks. And 2026 will be no exception. There are several programs that return talent and depth and will be in the mix for the conference regular season crown and a berth to the Division AA state tournament. Among them is Bismarck Legacy, Jamestown and Bismarck High. All three received at least one first place vote in the preseason coaches’ poll. Minot High is coming of a state tournament appearance and should be in the mix for a top four finish as well. Other squad have good returners and look poised to take steps ahead. Some other noteworthy WDA items include two new coaches. Courtney Huck takes the reins at Legacy and Alison Podradsky is the new bench boss at St. Mary’s. Both were former assistants at their respective programs. The conference has a trio of all-state players back (Lucy Falk, Jamestown; Brooklyn Pudwill, Legacy; Everette Deschamp, Minot High) and several more who earned all-WDA honors. The regular season gets underway this weekend with the annual Bismarck Public Schools Division AA Crossover tournament. Conference play swings into full gear in September, building toward the West Region Tournament in Jamestown and the NDHSAA Division AA State Tournament in Bismarck. Team Capsules Bismarck High Demons Key Returners: Dalena Aamot, Sr., (All-WDA) MH; Rosalyn Brunelle, Sr., RH; Ava Mischel, Sr., Libero; Jensen Hintz, Sr., OH Team Strengths: A diverse, explosive front row featuring seasoned finishing power across the net, backed by steady senior leadership from libero Ava Mischel. Key Areas to Develop: Getting two new setters comfortable within the offensive system, adjusting to the speed of varsity competition, and building chemistry with an experienced attacking lineup. Bismarck Century Patriots Key Returners: Parker Lutman, Sr., OH; Kinsley Pedersen, Sr., Libero; (All-WDA); Autumn Kilber, Jr., DS Team Strengths: A dedicated, cohesive core that logged extensive offseason gym time and possesses high-level chemistry and work ethic. Key Areas to Develop: With less overall varsity seasoning than in recent championship campaigns, Century will rely on emerging leaders and varsity newcomers to quickly embrace their roles and uphold the program’s winning standard. Notworthy: Head coach Jamie Zastoupil enters the season with 483 career victories, sitting just 17 wins shy of the 500-win milestone. Senior outside hitter Parker Lutman (63 career aces) is closing in on 100 aces, while senior libero Kinsley Pedersen (537 career digs) is within reach of 1,000 career digs. Century enters riding an active streak of 12 consecutive West Region Tournament titles. Bismarck Legacy Sabres Key Returners: Brooklynn Pudwill, Sr., MH (All-State, All-WDA); Finley Fettig, Jr., OH; Marlee Falcon, Jr., DS Team Strengths: High continuity with five returning rotation players who logged extensive varsity floor time in big-match environments. This is an experience group looking to get back to the state tournament. Key Areas to Develop: Sharpening serve-receive consistency and back-row passing efficiency to fuel a balanced offensive attack. Noteworthy: Courtney Huck takes over as head coach after spending the past 11 seasons with the Sabers program, succeeding long-time head coach Jennifer Astle. Dickinson Midgets Key Returners: Ava Hauck, Sr., OH/DS; Claire Rodakowski, Sr., OH; Jenna Zubke, Sr., S Team Strengths: A tight-knit unit driven by a relentless work ethic, positive court demeanor, sharp floor vision, and a daily drive for development. The returning players had some talented leaders to set a good example of being winners. Key Areas to Develop: Building consistency across full matches, sustaining offensive rhythm through extended sets, and maintaining defensive tenacity. Jamestown Blue Jays Key Returners: Lucy Falk, Sr., Hitter (All-State, All-WDA); Hannah Attleson, Jr., Hitter/Setter (All-WDA); Claire Marker, Jr., MB; Amelia Newman, Jr., OH Team Strengths: A competitive, high-energy group that pushes each other daily in practice and brings extensive big-match experience from its returning core. The Blue Jays are a program that builds throughout the season and plays its best come postseason. Key Areas to Develop: Solidifying the libero position to anchor serve receive and defensive coverage. Mandan Braves Key Returners: Jersey Hammes, Sr., (All-WDA) OH; Kennedy Keller, Sr., OH; Hadley Harris, Jr., Libero; AnnaClaire Bugbee, Jr., MH (All-WDA) Team Strengths: Strong continuity with several key starters returning to the rotation, giving Mandan the depth to challenge upper-tier programs under the steady leadership of veteran head coach Anna Folk. Key Areas to Develop: Sustaining set-to-set consistency, executing during long rallies, and limiting unforced errors. Minot High Majettes Key Returners: Kynsli Gillmore, Sr., OH; (All-WDA); Everette Deschamp, Jr., OH/RS; (All-State, All-WDA); Brooke Bedell, Sr., OH; Hadlea Faul, Sr., MB Team Strengths: A seasoned core that led the program to its first state tournament appearance since 2011 last fall. The Majettes feature imposing size, power, and depth at the net. Key Areas to Develop: Rebuilding back-row defense and establishing primary serve-receive passers after graduating key defensive specialists. Minot North Sentinels Key Returners: Brynn Francis, Sr., Setter/OH; Evelyn Jessen, Sr., MH; Elli Laskowski, Jr., OH Team Strengths: Multi-positional versatility across the lineup, providing flexibility in backcourt defense and serve receive. Key Areas to Develop: Continuing to adapt to the physical grind and intensity of a full nine-week WDA varsity schedule. Noteworthy: Senior playmaker Brynn Francis is already a 1,000-career-assist performer as she enters her final varsity campaign. Bismarck St. Mary's Saints Key Returners: Sophia Schlinger, Sr., Setter; Sofia Meyer, Sr., DS; Emily Stroh, Sr., MB Team Strengths: A young, energetic squad suited for a fast-paced offensive attack centered on winning the serve-and-pass battle. Key Areas to Develop: Replacing graduated net personnel, developing primary point-scorers, and maintaining competitive consistency against elite opponents. Noteworthy: Alison Podhradsky takes the head coaching reins after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the program. Williston Coyotes Key Returners: Alex Austreim, Sr. S (All-WDA; Rylee Irgens, Jr.; libero; Abigale Ferlan, Sr., MB Team Strengths: High-level multi-sport athleticism. The roster is filled with proven varsity competitors in other Coyote sports and who bring a relentless, 100-percent motor to every rally. Key Areas to Develop: Diversifying the offensive attack to generate consistent scoring and converting competitive stretches into conference match victories.