A 1982 graduate of the University of Sioux Falls, Sostrum-Thompson starred in volleyball and track and field from 1978-82. She helped lead USF to a pair of SDIC Championships in volleyball during 1980 and 1981. In 1981, Sostrom-Thompson was named a first-team All-SDIC selection. She was a Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce/FCA Honor Athlete in 1982. Sostrom-Thompson earned All-American honors in track in 1982, becoming the first USF female athlete to earned All-American status.