Lincoln-Way West’s Mason Thompson has made his mark drilling sets from Aidan Kettelson. But Thompson’s future calling will feature a different kind of drilling — teeth, not volleyballs.
The 6-foot senior outside hitter will forego playing the sport after high school to begin his journey at Marquette with the hopes of becoming a dentist.
“I like the service-based industry,” Thompson said. “My mom (Valerie) worked as a speech therapist, and growing up, I got to see her work with clients and build relationships.
“That’s something that really entices me. Being able to create that environment is something I would like to do myself.”
During his four varsity seasons, Thompson has helped create a championship environment for the Warriors, including an Elite Eight appearance two yeas ago.
He continued his winning ways Wednesday night with seven kills, leading host Lincoln-Way West to a 25-20, 25-21 nonconference win over Providence in New Lenox.
Colin Baikie added three kills for the Warriors (19-14), while Kettelson chalked up nine assists and Thomas Ball chipped in with 10 digs.
Daniel Shusharin tallied four block kills, Adam Stepanek added three and Quinn Kane had two as Providence (14-19) came through with a strong night at the net. Quinn and Brayden Pfieffer had four kills apiece.
Thompson, meanwhile, has become a quick study in volleyball. He started playing the sport in 2020 during the pandemic.
“All of my family played basketball but it really wasn’t my thing,” Thompson said. “I went to the Manhattan Junior High School gym and played volleyball and it just went on from there.
“I was asked to play basketball in high school but my passion is volleyball. I really love it.”
Lincoln-Way West coach Jodi Frigo liked what she saw in Thompson right away even though he didn’t have a ton of experience heading into high school.
“Mason is just a go-getter,” she said. “Everything he does is top-notch. His grades. His schooling. He’s always tried to go academically high. Everything is perfection with him.
“He sets those goals for himself. And everything he does, he works for it. He goes to the gym at night and individually puts in the work.”
In mid-April, Thompson was recognized as an Illinois State Scholar. His IQ is also evident on the volleyball court.
“He’s extremely smart,” Frigo said of Thompson. “He makes smart shots. It’s not always about power. He has that finesse about him and figures out a way to score, even against a big block.
“He’s kind of undersized against a lot of teams we play and he adjusts.”
Junior middle hitter David Neylon appreciates what Thompson means to the Warriors.
“He brings tons of energy and he has good experience in the program, too,” Neylon said of Thompson. “He brings in a lot of seniority and intelligence, too. He leads us and helps us a lot.”
Thompson has been on Lincoln-Way West teams that have gone 30-10, 32-8 and 19-18.
He pointed out this edition of the Warriors has potential to take down a powerhouse in the playoffs. Earlier in the season, they dropped a 25-23, 25-20 loss to top-ranked Oak Park-River Forest.
“We’re all friends and we have worked together,” Thompson said. “Sometimes, we’re iffy on execution, but when we’re playing those top teams, we were absolutely there.
“We have the talent, but we need to keep our focus.”
While he has his career plans mapped out, Thompson will miss volleyball.
“I really love that there is more of a team aspect and there is more of a chance to get to bond with your team,” he said. “You see everyone gather in the middle high-fiving.
“I think it’s a great environment.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
