Minot State Beavers Volleyball Team Strengthens Roster with Local Talent
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MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State Beavers are set to welcome three talented local volleyball players to their roster in the fall of 2025. Head coach Alex Courtney has successfully recruited Zoe Zarr from Minot High School, Maya Vibeto from Our Redeemer’s, and Azjiah Trader from South Prairie. This strategic move ensures that top local talent stays in Minot, bolstering the team’s competitiveness and connection to the community. Zarr and Vibeto will join the Beavers as sophomores, transferring from Bismarck State College, while Trader will enter as a true freshman, adding significant depth and skill to the team.
The addition of these players underscores Coach Courtney’s commitment to building a strong, competitive program rooted in local talent. The Beavers’ volleyball team is poised to make a significant impact in the coming seasons with these new additions, fostering a renewed sense of hometown pride in the Dome.
Coach Courtney’s Viewpoint
Coach Alex Courtney expressed his enthusiasm about the new signings,emphasizing the importance of local depiction on the team.
“I’m very excited about signing this trio. Not only are they talented and competitive players, but they are local athletes who grew up in this community and can truly call the Dome ‘home court’.”
He further highlighted the existing local connection with Sydney Upton, a Bishop Ryan graduate already on the roster, emphasizing the importance of local players.
“They’ll join Sydney Upton on the roster, who is a Bishop Ryan graduate. It’s awesome to have that kind of representation of Minot on our team. There will be a lot of hometown fans in the Dome next season supporting these ladies and Beaver volleyball.”
The coach’s remarks underscore the value he places on community ties and the support these local athletes will bring to the program, enhancing the team’s connection with the Minot community.
Zoe Zarr: A Well-Rounded Talent
Zoe Zarr, a 5-foot-8 outside hitter and a 2024 Minot High graduate, brings valuable collegiate experience to the Beavers. During her freshman season at Bismarck State College,Zarr played in 24 matches,recording 48 kills,157 digs,and six blocks. Her performance at Minot High was equally remarkable, where she led the Majettes in kills per match and kill percentage, while also excelling in digs and blocks.
Zarr’s accolades include All-WDA honors, Academic All-Conference honors, the Offensive Leader award, and recognition as a KMOT Player of the Week. She also showcased her talent on the club volleyball scene, being selected for the North Country region 20U team that qualified for the National Tournament and placed third, earning her a spot on the National All-Tournament team.
Coach Courtney praised Zarr’s versatility and dedication, highlighting her commitment to the team.
“Zoe is such a well-rounded, coachable player. she is committed to getting better every day and wants to help her team succeed every rally. She’s a selfless competitor, genuinely positive personality, and natural leader. She’s the kind of player I want to coach and the kind of teammate I want in our locker room.”
Maya Vibeto: An All-American Libero
Maya Vibeto, another 2024 graduate, joins the Beavers after a stellar freshman season at Bismarck State College. As a 5-foot-4 libero, Vibeto led BSC in digs with 597 in 29 matches, adding eight kills, 78 assists, and 21 service aces. She set a school record by averaging 5.74 digs per set and earned All-Mon-Dak, all-Region XIII, and NJCAA 2nd Team All-American honors.
Prior to her collegiate career, Vibeto excelled at Our Redeemer’s, earning 1st All-State honors and being named to the All-District and All-region teams.She was also nominated for Senior athlete of the Year, was a member of the national honors Society, and served as the Class of 2024 Salutatorian.
Coach Courtney highlighted Vibeto’s leadership and defensive prowess, emphasizing her impact on the team’s defense.
“Maya is a high-level athlete and a high-quality leader. Her defensive reads and passing are so good, and I’ve heard great things about her as a teammate. Her accomplishments this past season at BSC speak for themselves. It’s an exciting day when you can add an All-American libero to yoru defense. I’m realy looking forward to coaching her and watching her elevate our defense the next three years.”
Azjiah Trader: A Top Prospect
Azjiah Trader, a 5-foot-9 middle blocker and right-side hitter from South Prairie, is set to join the Beavers as a true freshman. Trader’s high school career is marked by numerous accolades, including being a four-time all-District selection, a three-time All-Region selection, and a two-time 1st Team All-State selection. She was also a two-time KMOT Athlete of the Week and was named state Senior Athlete of the Year, Region Senior Athlete of the Year, District Senior Athlete of the Year, and Team MVP for the District Champion and Class B state runner-up champion Royals.
Trader’s experience extends beyond high school, as she was named to the North Country Region 20U volleyball team that qualified for nationals and finished third during her junior year.
Coach Courtney sees immense potential in Trader, highlighting her athleticism and versatility.
“Azjiah has astonishing athleticism and is a top prospect coming out of this 2025 North Dakota high school class.She can play anywhere on the court and excel, offensively and defensively. Her vertical is insane, her fundamentals are so solid, and I’ve seen first-hand that she’s a great teammate. She had a historic senior volleyball season with South Prairie and is a highly decorated player.I believe she will transition to the collegiate game seamlessly and play a big role for us in the coming years.”
Looking Ahead
With the addition of Zoe Zarr, Maya vibeto, and Azjiah Trader, the minot State Beavers volleyball team is poised for a promising future. These local talents bring a wealth of experience, skill, and dedication to the program, strengthening the team’s competitiveness and connection to the Minot community. As the fall of 2025 approaches, fans can anticipate exciting performances and a renewed sense of hometown pride in the Dome.
Minot State Beavers Volleyball: A Winning Formula of Local Talent and Competitive Spirit
Did you know that recruiting local athletes can be a game-changer for college sports programs,fostering both team success and stronger community ties? Let’s delve into the Minot State Beavers’ strategic approach with volleyball expert,Dr.Emily Carter, Professor of Sports Management at the University of North Dakota.
world-Today-News.com: Dr. Carter,Minot State university’s Beavers volleyball program has made headlines by recruiting three promising local athletes. What makes this approach so impactful for a collegiate sports program?
Dr. Carter: the Minot State Beavers’ focus on local recruitment is a strategic masterstroke with multifaceted benefits.Building a team with homegrown talent has meaningful implications for both athletic performance and community engagement. By recruiting players who are already deeply connected to Minot, the program cultivates a sense of ownership and pride within the team.This translates to increased player motivation, loyalty, and commitment—all crucial factors for sustained success on the court. Moreover, local players frequently enough have strong existing support networks within the community, leading to higher attendance at games and increased community investment in the program.It’s a win-win.
World-Today-News.com: The article highlights the significant accomplishments of Zoe Zarr, Maya Vibeto, and Azjiah Trader. How do their individual skills and backgrounds contribute to the overall team dynamic?
Dr. Carter: Each player brings a unique set of skills and experiences that complement one another, creating a well-rounded and powerful team. Zoe Zarr’s versatility as an outside hitter, coupled with her proven collegiate experience and leadership qualities, provides invaluable experience and on-court leadership. Maya Vibeto’s extraordinary defensive acumen, as a libero, further strengthens the team’s defensive capabilities. Her All-American honors speak to her exceptional skill level and ability to elevate the overall team performance. azjiah Trader’s athleticism and versatility as a middle blocker and right-side hitter make her a significant asset. Her high school achievements and promising athleticism bring high potential for immediate impact and future growth. The blend of established college players and promising freshmen adds both immediate strength and future potential to the roster.
World-Today-News.com: The coach emphasizes the importance of “local depiction” and building community ties.How does this strategy benefit the university and the broader Minot community beyond just wins and losses?
Dr. Carter: The university gains significantly from this recruitment strategy. increased community engagement translates to heightened visibility and strong community relations. A prosperous volleyball team fosters school spirit, attracts prospective students, and creates a positive image for the university. For the minot community, the benefits are equally significant. A strong local team cultivates community pride, provides role models for young athletes, and offers a source of entertainment and community bonding. Local businesses also benefit through increased foot traffic and sales around game days, further highlighting the economic impact of a successful community-focused athletic program.
World-Today-News.com: What are some key takeaways for other collegiate athletic programs looking to replicate this success through local recruitment?
Dr. Carter: There are several crucial aspects for programs to consider:
Targeted Scouting: Implement a robust local scouting network to identify promising young talent early in their high school careers.
Cultivating Relationships: Foster meaningful relationships with local high school coaches and athletic directors to develop trust and access to prospective athletes.
Community Engagement: Proactively engage with the community, promoting local pride and showcasing the positive impact of the athletic program.
Strategic Recruitment: Balance local talent with national recruitment to maintain long-term competitive edge and build team diversity.
* Scholarships and Financial Aid: Utilize scholarships and financial aid options to incentivize local players.
World-Today-News.com: what makes the Minot State Beavers’ approach to recruiting so innovative and sustainable?
Dr. Carter: The Beavers’ strategy demonstrates a long-term vision that extends beyond immediate wins. By focusing on local talent and nurturing strong community ties, the program creates a sustainable model for success—one that builds player loyalty, strengthens community engagement, and enhances the overall image of the university. It’s a model that other collegiate athletic programs should seriously examine.
What are your thoughts on the growing trend of locally focused recruitment strategies in college athletics? share your insights in the comments below, or join the conversation on social media!