About Northbound Junior Beach Volleyball
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Northbound Beach Volleyball was built to provide structured, competition, and development-focused sand volleyball opportunities for middle school and high school athletes in the STMA area.
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Volleyball has shaped much of my life — as a player, a competitor, and now as a coach and program director. I competed at the Division II level at Northern State University before transferring to Southwest Minnesota State University. My collegiate experience deepened my understanding of high-level competition, preparation, and athlete development — lessons that now guide the way Northbound operates.
Northbound was founded to create a space where athletes can grow through competition without unnecessary pressure. Since launching with just 10 teams, the program has expanded to over 70 teams — a reflection of both community support and the need for structured junior beach opportunities in our area.
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Our Philosophy
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Beach volleyball develops complete players.
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With only two athletes on the court, every player must pass, set, defend, attack, and communicate. The doubles format builds volleyball IQ, decision-making, resilience, and accountability in ways traditional indoor systems cannot.
Training in sand strengthens agility, balance, endurance, and ball control while building mental toughness and leadership.
Our focus is high-rep, structured match play in a competitive but positive environment.
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Leadership & Development Pathway
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In addition to directing Northbound, I serve as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Elevate program and coach within development clinics at ACE Elite VBC during the indoor season.
This year-round involvement allows athletes to move seamlessly between sand and indoor training, maintaining continuity in their growth and performance.
My passion has always been working with developing athletes — particularly younger players — helping them build confidence, technical skill, and competitive maturity over time.
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Our Commitment
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Every athlete deserves the chance to grow — whether they pursue volleyball recreationally, competitively, or at the collegiate level.
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Northbound provides a space where athletes can:
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• Develop technical skills
• Build mental toughness
• Strengthen leadership
• Compete with purpose
• Love the game
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Whether players pursue volleyball recreationally or competitively, Northbound is committed to building well-rounded athletes prepared for the next level — on the court and beyond it.
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Go North. Play Hard. Dream Big.
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Alison Zimpfer
Founder, Northbound Beach Volleyball