For Carlson and the Majettes, hope springs eternal.

“They just get along,” she said. “It just seems like there is more unity here. I’ve had it some years, I’ve not had it some years. This group seems like they all like each other. The support of each other is great. How they encourage one another is great.”

Last season, Minot finished 9-19 (5-13 WDA) and did not place in the WDA Tournament.

“You can want in your heart, but you’ve really got to want it in your head,” Carlson said. “You’ve got to be determined in your mind that you’re not going to get defeated. You’re not going to let them have a bunch of kills on you. You’re going to play at a very high level. We’ve got to learn to not fear the competition. We need the competition to fear us. We’re working on that.”

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Minot High School senior middle/outside hitter Morgan Wheeler works through a drill at the Magic City Campus.

Upperclassmen comprise the entirety of Minot’s varsity roster. Seven juniors and six seniors are in the mix this season.

The senior class includes libero Reese Terrel, setterPaige Ackerman, middle/outside hitter Morgan Wheeler, middle hitter Jenna Hardy, outside hitter Ana Morelli and middle hitter Preslie Everson. Carlson and the coaching staff will count on those experienced seniors to lead the way.

“It’s usually when your character is pushed against the wall that it reveals itself,” Carlson said. “We’ll see how they are when it gets intense and we’re fighting for a win. Right now, it’s all been good.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all in-season volleyball tournaments and EDC-WDA contests were canceled. Additionally, Turtle Mountain Community High School is not currently participating in athletic events.

As the team prepared for the unprecedented season, Carlson provided reassurance to the Majettes.

“She’s been encouraging us to look at the bright side and work hard,” Wheeler said. “We don’t know how long we have, so we’re trying to make the most of it.”

A plethora of Minot players participated in the sand volleyball league at South Hill Complex over the summer. In addition to supervising summer camps, Carlson watched the Majettes adjust to the distinct playing surface.

“It was fun to see them play, especially when it was four-on-four,” she said. “You’ve got to cover a lot of court. Because it’s sand, there’s not the fear of diving. It has its advantages.”

The summer work served a dual purpose. Throughout the season, the players honed their skills and developed team camaraderie.

“We really worked hard in the offseason,” Everson said. “We all came together. This team has played together for a while. The chemistry is there.”

Inside the Magic City Campus gymnasium, a direct correlation is prevalent. As the season approaches, the Majettes’ desire to return to action heightens.

“They’re definitely proud of being here,” Carlson said. “I think that they’re anxious to start playing. I just feel like there is a confidence in them that I haven’t seen for a little bit. There’s a hunger. That’s what I said a couple of times to the girls — they’re just hungry. They’re hungry to take it to a different level. They’re hungry to get better. They’re hungry to learn more. They’re hungry to touch the ball as much as they can. They’ve just got a huge appetite for the game right now.”

Minot will host Jamestown, a formidable WDA foe, at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening. The Blue Jays defeated Watford City in a 3-1 match on Saturday.

“They always have a pretty strong team,” Carlson said. “It will give us a great read of where we are.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.