Thompson High School volleyball coach Ellen Fleisher has already come up with a theme for the upcoming season before the Warriors take the court for their first match.

With five sophomores on the team, Fleisher said the the Warriors will have a youthful look in 2009.

“We’re training building blocks for the future,” Fleisher said.

Fleisher said she expects the sophomore class, led by co-captain outside hitter Holli Brown, to play an important role during the 2009 season. In addition to Brown, senior setter Stephanie Giddens and senior outside hitter Michelle Chase will serve as co-captains.

“We’ve got a lot of young girls,” Fleisher said, “but they’re working hard. I expect a lot of great things from the girls.”

The Warriors will be tested early as they host the Juanita Boddie tournament Aug. 21-22. The 20-team field includes defending Class 6A champion Bob Jones and runner-up Pelham. Fleisher said Thompson takes pride in hosting the annual tournament.

“Hosting the Juanita Boddie is a great honor,” Fleisher said. “It helps us prepare mentally for the rest of the season. Our parents do a great job every year. It takes a lot of parental, school and community support.”

Thompson finished the 2008 season as the runner-up to Pelham in Class 6A, Area 11. Fleisher expects the two teams to once again be in the thick of the race for the Area 11 title.

“I enjoy competing with Pelham,” Fleisher said. “They had an extremely successful season last year.”

Despite her team’s youth, Fleisher is excited about the Warriors’ potential.

“I’m extremely fired up about the season,” Fleisher said. “It’s going to be a good year.”

Thompson opens the season Aug. 20 at Hewitt-Trussville.