About Northbound Jr Volleyball

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.

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.

Our Philosophy

Beach volleyball develops complete players.

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.

Leadership & Development Pathway

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.

Our Commitment

Every athlete deserves the chance to grow — whether they pursue volleyball recreationally, competitively, or at the collegiate level.

Northbound provides a space where athletes can:

• Develop technical skills
• Build mental toughness
• Strengthen leadership
• Compete with purpose
• Love the game

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.

Go North. Play Hard. Dream Big.

Alison Zimpfer
Founder, Northbound Beach Volleyball